(12) similarities between nature of constitutions

Question 1

decentralisation

Answer 1

-UK follows devolution, with administrations having clear powers these are protected by the sewel convention e.g. Scotland has control over education policy: no tuition fees for uni
-US follows federalism and is protected by the 10th amendment, the states have their own institutions to exercise their powers e.g. DeSantis’ Dont Say Gay Bill
-cultural: both countries are influenced by small ‘l’ liberalism’s preference for fragmented government

Question 2

protection of civil liberties

Answer 2

-UK, HRA protects civil liberties, judges can rule executive violations as ultra vires, and the lords can force the government to rethink controversial reforms e.g.HRA establishes right to life
-US, protected via limited government, judiciary allows citizens to redress their grievances, entrenched constitution means populists can’t diminish rights e.g. 1st amendment establishes freedom of speech
-cultural: both countries are influenced by liberal thinkers such as locke who emphasises the importance of civil liberties in society

Question 3

bicameral legislature

Answer 3

-UK, commons focuses on redress of grievances, law making, accountability and financial control, the unelected lords has the purpose of revision and making the government think again e.g Hunt’s 2022 budget
-US, house of rep based on population size, senate equalises the power of the states senate confirms judicial appointments and ratifies treaties e.g. confirmation of Ketanji Jackson Brown
-cultural: both systems have allowed rules to develop organically to ensure an effective political system