Nature Of The Uk Constitution

Question 1

Parliamentary Statutes

Answer 1

Acts of parliament that have the effect of establishing constitutional principles.
For example Scotland Act 1998, Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Question 2

Constitutional conventions

Answer 2

A convention is an unwritten rule that is considered binding on all members of the political community.
For example it is merely a convention that the Queens powers are exercised by the Prime Minister.
Salisbury Convention.

Question 3

Authoritative writings

Answer 3

Similar to conventions these principles have become effectively binding as they have been established over a long period time. The most important example is Parliamentary Sovereignty.

Question 4

Common Law

Answer 4

It’s a largely Anglo-Saxon principle. Refers to the development of laws through historical usage and tradition.
Most common law concerns principles of rights and justice. The prerogative powers of the PM.

Question 5

Customs and traditions

Answer 5

Similar to common law, constitutional tradition and customs govern many of the rituals of parliament.
For Example the queens speech.