Key Historical Documents - The nature and sources of the UK constitution (UK Constitution)

Question 1

Magna Carta 1215

Answer 1

• Signed by King John
• Series of written promises between the king and his subjects
• A peace treaty and a political settlement
• From Barons trying to stop the King from abusing citizens
• Certain basic rights were established, for example, the right to a jury trial.

Question 2

Bill of Rights 1689

Answer 2

• Guaranteed further basic rights, for example, free elections
• Laid out both rights of Parliament and limitations on the power of the Monarch
• Frequent parliaments and freedom of speech within Parliament
• No right of taxation without Parliament’s agreement
• Freedom from government interference
• The right of petition
• Just treatment of people by courts

Question 3

Act of Settlement 1701

Answer 3

• Parliament could determine the succession to the throne

Question 4

Act of Union 1707

Answer 4

• United Scotland to England and Wales

- Scotland continued to have a separate legal system.

Question 5

Parliament Act 1911

Answer 5

• Removed the power to veto a bill from the House of Lords
• Lords could delay a Bill by up to two years.
• Reduced the maximum lifespan of a Parliament from seven years to five years

Question 6

Parliament Act 1949

Answer 6

• Further reduced the Lords’ delaying powers to one year

- Lords cannot amend Money Bills.

Question 7

The European Communities Act 1972

Answer 7

• Joined Britain to the European Community (now the European Union)
• EU law takes precedence over UK law