Chapter 6: The Constitution, KP flashcards

Question 1

What is the definition of a constitution?

Answer 1

A set of rules that describe the various institutions of the state, the powers they have (and limits on those powers), and the rights of citizens.

Question 2

What principle was established by the Magna Carta in 1215?

Answer 2

The principle of the rule of law.

Question 3

What did the Glorious Revolution and Bill of Rights of 1688-89 establish?

Answer 3

The sovereignty of Parliament and its supremacy over the monarch, free elections, and free speech in Parliament.

Question 4

What was the significance of the Act of Settlement in 1701?

Answer 4

Parliament has the right to determine the line of succession to the throne.

Question 5

What did the Acts of Union in 1707 accomplish?

Answer 5

United England and Scotland, with just one Parliament in Westminster.

Question 6

What was the impact of the Parliament Acts of 1911 and 1949?

Answer 6

Limited the power of the House of Lords and established the House of Commons as superior.

Question 7

What did the European Communities Act of 1972 do?

Answer 7

The UK joined the European Union; EU law took precedence over UK law.

Question 8

What was established by the Human Rights Act of 1998?

Answer 8

Brought the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law.

Question 9

What did the Constitutional Reform Act of 2005 establish?

Answer 9

The Supreme Court was established, confirming the independence of the judiciary.

Question 10

What was the outcome of the 2016 referendum regarding the EU?

Answer 10

The UK agreed to leave the EU.

Question 11

What does the term ‘uncodified’ refer to in the context of the UK Constitution?

Answer 11

Not laid down in a single document; there are a number of different sources.

Question 12

What does ‘unentrenched’ mean regarding the UK Constitution?

Answer 12

It is flexible and easy to change.

Question 13

What is meant by ‘Parliamentary Sovereignty’?

Answer 13

Supreme power lies with Parliament; it can make and unmake laws.

Question 14

What is the ‘Rule of Law’?

Answer 14

Everyone is equal under the law and entitled to a fair trial; the government is subject to laws.

Question 15

True or False: The UK Constitution has a clear separation of powers.

Answer 15

False.

Question 16

What type of legal sovereignty does the UK Constitution have?

Answer 16

Unitary, meaning legal sovereignty lies with Parliament.

Question 17

What is the significance of the term ‘elective dictatorship’?

Answer 17

Refers to the strong executive power of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Question 18

What are the sources of the UK Constitution?

Answer 18

Statute law, conventions, books of authority, and common law.

Question 19

What does the Freedom of Information Act 2000 aim to achieve?

Answer 19

Improved openness of government.

Question 20

Fill in the blank: The Human Rights Act 1998 protects _______.

Answer 20

[civil rights].

Question 21

What are the three types of devolution?

Answer 21

• Administrative
• Legislative
• Financial

Question 22

What powers does the Scottish Parliament have?

Answer 22

• Power over health services
• Education
• Housing
• Justice
• Policing

Question 23

What are the current powers of the Welsh Parliament?

Answer 23

• Health service
• Education
• Agriculture
• Social care
• Housing

Question 24

What powers does the Northern Ireland Assembly have?

Answer 24

• Health & social services
• Education
• Employment & skills
• Housing
• Economic development

Question 25

What has been a positive aspect of devolution in the UK?

Answer 25

The United Kingdom has not broken up.

Question 26

What is a negative aspect of devolution?

Answer 26

Turnouts in elections to devolved assemblies have been low.

Question 27

Should further constitutional reform be pursued in the UK?

Answer 27

Yes, to improve clarity and representation.

Question 28

What is one argument in favor of adopting a codified constitution?

Answer 28

It would better protect rights.

Question 29

What is a concern regarding the House of Lords?

Answer 29

It remains unelected.

Question 30

What does the Barnett formula refer to?

Answer 30

A system that allocates funding to devolved governments in the UK.

Question 31

What did the Recall of MPs Act 2015 establish?

Answer 31

A recall petition is triggered if an MP is suspended for more than ten days.

Question 32

Fill in the blank: Devolution is a ________ and not an event.

Answer 32

[process].

Question 33

What is the proposed change to the size of the House of Commons?

Answer 33

Reduction from 650 MPs to 600 MPs ## Footnote This will be accompanied by a redrawing of constituency boundaries to ensure equal population sizes.

Question 34

What could the Conservatives replace the European Convention on Human Rights with?

Answer 34

A British Bill of Rights ## Footnote This suggests a move towards a more national framework for human rights.

Question 35

List one argument in favor of adopting a codified constitution in the UK.

Answer 35

* It would better protect rights * It would reduce power of central government * It would bring clarity and educational value * It would be policed by senior judges through judicial review ## Footnote These points suggest a shift towards a more structured legal framework.

Question 36

List one argument against adopting a codified constitution in the UK.

Answer 36

* Current constitution is flexible * Codified constitution gives unelected judges too much power * Current constitution creates strong and stable government * Unnecessary as current system works ## Footnote These points highlight the strengths of the existing system.

Question 37

True or False: A codified constitution would reduce the power of the central government.

Answer 37

True ## Footnote This is one of the arguments in favor of a codified constitution.

Question 38

Fill in the blank: A codified constitution would be policed by _______.

Answer 38

[senior judges] ## Footnote This implies that judicial review would be an important mechanism for upholding the constitution.

Question 39

What is one reason supporters argue that a codified constitution would have educational value?

Answer 39

It would bring clarity ## Footnote A clearer constitution could help citizens understand their rights and responsibilities better.