Relations between the branches - Key Terms

Question 1

Elective dictatorship

Answer 1

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

Question 2

European Union (EU)

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Four freedoms (EU)

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Judicial independence

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Judicial neutrality

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Judicial review

Answer 6

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 7

Legal sovereignty

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Political sovereignty

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Supreme Court

Answer 9

The highest court in the UK political system.

Question 10

Ultra vires

Answer 10

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