Historical Development Of The UK Constitution

Question 1

Magna Carta (1215)

Answer 1

• Basic agreement between King and Barons
• The first document to put into writing the principle that the king and his government was not above the law.

Question 2

Bill of Rights (1689)

Answer 2

• The bill firmly established the principles of frequent parliaments, free elections and the freedom of speech within parliament.
• Guarantees civil rights and liberties to the individual.

Question 3

Act of Settlement (1701)

Answer 3

• Secure the Protestant succession to the throne
• Strengthen the guarantees for ensuring a parliamentary system of government.
• Also reinforced the Bill of Rights greed by William and Mary in 1689

Question 4

The Acts of Union 1606 - 07

Answer 4

• England and Scotland combined into the “United Kingdom”
• A single parliament at Westminster, with sovereignty over England and Scotland (until 1977)

Question 5

Parliaments act - 1911/ 1949

Answer 5

The act removed the right of the House of Lords to veto (approve) money bills completely, and replaced the right of veto over other public bills with the ability to delay them for a maximum of two years. (The parliament Act 1949 reduced this to 1 year)

Question 6

European communities act - 1972

Answer 6

• Britain joined EEC (which became EU)
• Established the EU as superior to UK law when there was a conflict
• Repealed in 2019 (BREXIT)