Constitutional arrangements Flashcards
What are the four main comparitive points for the constitutions of the UK and the US
- Codified Vs Uncodified
- entrenched vs flexible amedment
- parliamentary sovereignty vs spereation of powers
- federalism vs unitary system
GIve an example of how the UK is uncodified
The Fixed-Term Parliaments Act (2011) set five-year parliamentary terms, but it was repealed in 2022 through another simple act of Parliament.
Give an example of how the US is codified
The Second Amendment (right to bear arms) remains law despite ongoing debates, as changing it requires a constitutional amendment, needing approval from Congress and the states.
Give an example of how the UK can flexibly amend their constitution
The UK changed its gun laws swiftly after the 1996 Dunblane school shooting, banning handguns through the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997.
GIve an example of how the US constitutioon is entrenched
he Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which aimed to guarantee gender equality, failed to be ratified despite decades of efforts.
Give an example of how the UK constitution promotes parliamentary sovereignty
Boris Johnson, as Prime Minister, was forced to resign in 2022 after losing party support, showing how Parliament holds the executive accountable.
Give an example of how the US constitution promotes serperation of powers
Donald Trump was impeached twice by Congress but remained in office because the Senate did not convict him, demonstrating the checks and balances in place
Give an example of how the UK constitution gives a unitary system
The UK Parliament can override Scottish Parliament decisions, as seen in 2023 when it blocked Scotland’s Gender Recognition Reform Bill.
shows how parliament is sovereignty
Give an example of how the US constitution prmotes federalism
Abortion laws vary across states after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, allowing states to decide independently.
