Chapter 1 - US vs UK constitutions Flashcards
How did the US and UK constitutions emerge?
UK through evolution; US through revolution.
Give an authoritative work that makes up the UK consitution.
A. V. Dicey’s Introduction to the Law of the Constitution
When was A. V. Dicey’s authoritative work published?
1885
What does A. V. Dicey’s authoritative work explain?
How the UK constitution rests upon the ‘twin pillars’ of parliamentary sovereignty and the rule of law.
Which constitution contains conventions?
Both do. The US cabinet is a convention as it is not mentioned in the constitution.
What type of Constitution does the US and UK have?
US is codified; UK is uncodified.
How many times has the US Constitution been amended?
27
What are the similarities between the US and UK states?
- Both have 3 branches of government.
- Both are bicameral.
- Both have a Supreme Court.
- Fixed-term elections.
- Regional governments.
Who is the President accountable to?
The people - they have no responsibility to Congress.
Why does the UK government dominate the legislative agenda?
Because of the fusion of powers meaning the government is drawn from parliament, and they usually have a majority.
What did James Madison write about checks and balances?
‘Ambition must be made to counteract ambition.’
Under what circumstances can Congress remove members of the executive?
When they are found guilty of ‘high crimes and misdemeanours’.
When did Parliament reject a proposal for air strike in Syria?
2013.
What does primus inter pares mean?
First among equals.
What is the difference between the UK cabinet and the US cabinet?
- In the UK the cabinet the members are the prime minister’s rivals (Boris replaced May) and the prime minister, although being culturally more important, is technically first among equals.
- In the US the president is the head of the executive and the cabinet is clearly inferior. They only exist because the president wants them to. The president is not first among equals - they are simply first.
