Called Out My Name

Question 1

Pros of a codified constitution

Answer 1

• Clearly outlines the laws and principals of a government
• Constitucional laws are harder to change, protecting democracy
• Courts can use the constitution to base their decision off

Question 2

Cons of a codified constitution

Answer 2

• Because it’s entrenched, it makes it hard to change, even when necessary
• Unelected judges often have significant power to interpret the constitution
• Codified constitution will not always be clear

Question 3

Pros of a uncodified constitution

Answer 3

• It can evolve over time, allowing laws to adapt over societal change
• Parliamentary sovereignty ensures the elected government can make changes to the law without restrictions
• Government can quickly respond to emergencies

Question 4

Cons of an uncodified constitution

Answer 4

• Because it’s not written in one single document, some of the public may find it hard to interpret it
• Without a bill of rights individual liberties are not guaranteed
• A government with a parliamentary majority can easily change constitutional principals

Question 5

Entrenchment

Answer 5

Process of making certain laws or constitutional principals difficult to change

Question 6

Pros of the Westminster model

Answer 6

• ruling party often has a majority giving them power to rule effectively
• regular elections allow public scrutiny
• ensures the party with the most votes governs without influence of smaller, more radical, parties

Question 7

Cons of Westminster model

Answer 7

• single party majority can lead to tyrannical-like ruling
• FPTP ignores minority
• House of Lords

Question 8

What is a unitary state

Answer 8

A country where all power is held by the central government

Question 9

What is the UK constitution

Answer 9

It’s uncodified, not written down in a single document. Instead made of various sources, including laws, conventions and traditions

Question 10

What is the UK constitution based of

Answer 10

Historical documents such as the Magna Carta (1215), Bill Of Rights (1689) & Act of Settlement (1701)

Question 11

What are the UK constitution main sources of power

Answer 11

• parliamentary sovereignty
• the monarchy
• the rule of law
• democratic legitimacy