Constitiutional Reform

Question 1

Principles of Constitutional Reform

Answer 1

Democratisation- House of Lords, Electoral System
Decentralisation- Devolution
Stronger Protection of Rights- Human Rights Act
Modernisation

Question 2

Reform 1997-2010

Parliament

Answer 2

House of Lords Reform 1997
Removal of all but 92 Hereditary peers.
Also enhanced the status of select committees.

Question 3

Reform 1997-2010

Human Rights reform

Answer 3

Incorporation of the Human Rights Act with it’s provisions coming into force in 2000.
Protection of 15 fundamental rights which range from the right to life to the right of expression.

Question 4

Reform 1997-2010

Freedom of Information

Answer 4

Freedom of Information Act 2000
Watered down version of similar measures in operation elsewhere in Europe. The government still has the right to conceal information.

Question 5

Reform 1997-2010

The Judiciary

Answer 5

Constitutional Reform Act 2005:
Separation of the Judiciary and the Government
Establishment of the Supreme Court-Opened in 2009
Appointment of Senior Judges- Judicial Appointment committee established.