Constitution Flashcards
What are the principles of the UK constitution?
- Parliamentary sovereignty
- The rule of law (nobody is above the law)
- Parliamentary gov. under a constitutional monarch
- The unitary State (one central state rules all the divisions)
- EU membership (EU law is binding)
What is a statute law
A law passed by parliament which adds to the constitution
e.g. Human rights act (1998), Equality act (2010), Marriage act (2013)
Benefits of a Codified constitution
- More consistent
- Easy to refer to/access
- Same rules and values for each president/government
Benefits of an uncodified constitution
- Easier/simpler to change
- More able to evolve over time
How has Devolution been a constitutional reform since 1997? (1997-2007)
1997
Referendum’s were held to decide if Scotland & Wales wanted their own elected government. Both voted yes.
How has the HRA been a constitutional reform since 1997? (1997-2007)
Came into force in 2000
It incorporated European convention on human rights into British laws. There was a committee to check legislation for infringements in HRs. Was the first time UK citizens could claim.
How has the House of Lords been a constitutional reform since 1997? (1997-2007)
1997
A parliamentary bill, removed the right to hereditary peers in the HoL, 92 were still allowed
How has the Supreme Court been a constitutional reform since 1997? (1997-2007)
The constitutional reform act (2005) meant that the judiciary and executive were separate. One could no longer sit in both
How has the Fixed Term Parliaments Act been a constitutional reform since 1997? (2010-2015)
2011
A general election now happens every 5 years, so snap elections are harder to call. Does allow election if the gov. losses a vote of no confidence.
How has Attempted Electoral Reform been a constitutional reform since 1997? (2010-15)
The was a call to change FPTP to AV. But in a referendum FPTP got 68% of the vote
How has Parliamentary Reform been a constitutional reform since 1997? (2010-15)
Giving backbenchers more influence, addressed excessive power of the HoC. Parliamentary backbenchers committee introduce. E-petitions introduced.
How has Further Devolution been a constitutional reform since 1997? (2010-15)
More centralisation to bring power to the people. Wales given primary legislative power. Scotland have the right to very income tax by 10p.
How has Changing significance of FTPA been a constitutional reform since 1997? (2015-)
It worked between 2010-2015 but, there has been more frequent elections due to a loop-hole to now do one whenever.
How has EVEL been a constitutional reform since 1997? (2015-)
2015
Only MP’s of english constituents can vote for laws that effect only England. Since Scottish, Welsh and Irish MP’s had too much power voting on legislation for both countries.
How has Brexit been a constitutional reform since 1997? (2015-)
There was a referendum on whether the UK should stop being a member of the EU, as it was one of Cameron’s manifesto commitments in the 2015 general election.
