Nature and Status Flashcards
The four paragraphs
Codified Vs Uncodified
Popular Vs Parliamentary Sovereignty
Rigid Vs flexible
Separation Vs Fusion of powers
Explain Codified
Americas constitution is codified. This means it is all written in the one document. Because it is so small it is so rigid but its also widely interpreted which is good.
Example for codified
when the American constitution was first made in 1788 it was only 5 pages long.
Explain Uncodified
The UK constitution is not written in the one document. Most of the constitution is written just not in the one source.
Example for Uncodified
because it is not all written in the one source it can be hard to tell if something is unconstitutional or not.
Explain Popular sovereignty
The US constitution is run by the people. This means most of the government are elected by the people.
Example for popular sovereignty
The US constitution begins with the words “We the people”
Explain Parliamentary sovereignty
This is used in the UK and it means the power belongs to the supreme court. This means they can create, amend and end any law. However this power isn’t as dominant since the UK joined the EU in 1973.
Example of Parliamentary sovereignty
Parliament must legislate constantly with European community law.
Explain rigid
The US constitution is very hard to change (rigid).
Example of rigid
For a change to take place two thirds of both houses, three quarters of all states and a presidential signature is needed.
explain flexible
There is no lengthy procedure for the UK constitution to be changed.
Example of flexible
All that is needed is for parliament to acknowledge the need for a change.
Explain Separation of Powers
The US constitution is split into three different branches and each branch has separate powers.
Example for Separation of Powers.
the legislative branch makes the laws. The Executive branch has the authority that is responsible to carry out laws and the judicial branch is responsible for the admin of justice.
