Public Law Constitution Flashcards
How is the UK constitution described?
Uncodified - written & unwritten rules meaning it has capacity to change & evolve over time
When is a rule/Act considered constitutional?
When it conditions the legal relationship between citizen and state in some general, overarching manner
To achieve a significant change in constitutional arrangements, what must be done?
An act must be passed
What are the functions of Parliament?
Debate & scrutinise proposed legislation
Propose amendments to legislation
Scrutinise public expenditure & taxaiton
Extract info from executive & hold it to account
What is the role of the Speaker of the House?
Manages and controls direction/tone of debate
Remains politically impartial and must resign from their political party
Has full authority to enforce rules of behaviour on HoC
What are parliamentary committees and what are the two types?
They scrutinise work of gvt and examine proposals for primary/secondary legislation
Select: investigate work of individual government departments
Public Bill (Legislative): debate & amend proposals for new legislation
What type of legislation can HoL consider but not block/amend?
On public finances