Relations between the branches

Question 1

Supreme Court

Answer 1

The highest court in the UK political system.

Question 2

Judicial Neutrality

Answer 2

The principle that judges should not be influenced by their personal political opinions and should remain outside of party politics.

Question 3

Judicial Independence

Answer 3

The principle that judges should not be influenced by other branches of government, particularly the Executive.

Question 4

Judicial Review

Answer 4

The power of the judiciary to review, and sometimes reverse, actions by other branches of government that breach the law or that are incompatible with the Human Rights Act.

Question 5

Elective Dictatorship

Answer 5

A government that dominates Parliament, usually due to a large majority, and therefore has few limits on its power.

Question 6

European Union (EU)

Answer 6

A political and economic union of a group of European countries.

Question 7

Four Freedoms (EU)

Answer 7

The principle of free movement of goods, services, capital and people within the EU’s single market.

Question 8

Legal Sovereignty

Answer 8

The legal right to exercise sovereignty – i.e. sovereignty in theory.

Question 9

Political Sovereignty

Answer 9

The political ability to exercise sovereignty – i.e. sovereignty in practice.

Question 10

Ultra Vires

Answer 10

Literally ‘beyond the powers’. An action that is taken without legal authority when it requires it.