Constitution arguments

Question 1

“The UK constitution requires major change” AGREE (4)

Answer 1

-Too easy to make constitutional changes
-Out of step with other modern democracies (HoL)
-Many principles of constitution are conventions
-Blair’s constitutional reforms are incomplete

Question 2

“The UK constitution requires major change” DISAGREE (4)

Answer 2

-unentrenched means parliament can respond flexible to any situation (terrorism, covid)
-Constitution has evolved over time (SC, devolution)
-Many principles conventions have been written into law (2011 fixed term parliament act)
-Although HRA is unentrenched, rights in the UK are respected by politicians and protected by the judiciary.

Question 3

“Have constitutional reforms reduced government power” AGREE (3)

Answer 3

-Devolution has taken power from Westminster
-HRA + supreme court gives judges more power
-HoL more assertive after reforms as they have more legitimacy

Question 4

“Have constitutional reforms reduced government power” (3) DISAGREE

Answer 4

-Parliament is still sovereign in regards to devolution
-HRA not fully entrenched and SC can’t strike down a piece of legislation
-HoL still subservient to Commons (can’t delay bills)