M3 T3 The constitutional organs of the UK Flashcards
The Crown=
The state
What is important to remember when talking about constitutionality in the English system?
There is no single written constitution
Which norms have constitutional status?
Those that protect the rights and freedoms of citizens
What is the role of the crown?
It unifies the nation and embodies juridical and political powers
What is the geographical context in the political perspective?
a single state formed by four different entities.
- England
- Wales
- Scotland
- Northern-Ireland
What are crown dependencies?
Do not form a part of the UK, but the sovereign is the Queen of England.
Channel Islands and the Isle of man
What are British overseas territories
There are 14.
These are former colonies that remain under the formal sovereignty of Great Britain.
Islands and archipelagos over the whole world such as Bermuda and the Cayman Islands.
What is the British commonwealth?
54 independent states where the Queen exercises the symbolic head of state.
Ex: Canada, Australia and India
What is the political organization of the UK?
It is a constitutional monarchy
What is the oldest British institution?
The monarchy
What does the monarch traditionally embody?
unity, continuity and stability of the state
The Monarch in theory:
is the head of the executive, the judicial and the legislative powers
The Monarch in practice:
duties are representative and ceremonial
What is the royal prerogative?
Body of customs and rules-the royal duties that acquires the advice and approval of a government minister
What are 3 legislative functions of the crown?
- Convoke, prorogue and dissolve Parliament
- Sanction laws approved by parliament
- Appoint life and hereditary peers
!1 and 2 and the instance of the Prime Minister as the Queen has little to no power alone.
4 executive functions of the crown
- Appoint the Prime Minister: the leader of the party with the majority in the House of Commons
- Appoint ministers and other public authorities at the instance of the PM
- Bestow honors
- Establish international relations, declare war, sign international peace treaties, cede or incorporate territory
2 judicial functions of the crown
- Justice is administered in the name of the monarch
2. Appoints and dismisses judges
Who holds the legislative power?
The British Parliament
When was the first use of Parliament in England?
In 1236, and referred to meetings to which the king convoked nobles and prelates
What is the Queen in parliament?
Three separate institutions that meet together on solemn occasions
- The Queen
- The House of Commons
- The House of Lords
Parliament is sovereign as there is no formal written constitution regulating its powers. Where can we find the restrictions to its powers?
in a general British parliamentary consensus saying that the spirit of constitutionalism must be preserved and changes should only be made when society so demands.
The sovereignty of the citizens.