The Constitution Flashcards
What are the main sources of the UK constitution?
Statute Law – Laws passed by Parliament, such as the Magna Carta (1215), Bill of Rights (1689), and the Human Rights Act (1998).
Common Law – Legal principles established through court judgments and precedents.
Conventions – Unwritten practices that guide political conduct, like the Prime Minister being a member of the House of Commons.
Works of Authority – Legal commentaries, such as A.V. Dicey’s writings, that clarify constitutional principles.
EU Law and International Treaties – While Brexit reduced direct EU influence, some agreements and international law still shape governance.
Why has the UK constitution developed in an evolutionary way rather than a revolutionary way?
Historical Continuity – The monarchy and Parliament evolved over centuries without being completely overthrown.
Incremental Reforms – Key constitutional changes, such as the expansion of suffrage and the reduction of royal power, occurred gradually (e.g., the Glorious Revolution of 1688, Reform Acts).
Lack of a Single Defining Revolution – Unlike France or the USA, the UK never had a single revolutionary moment that led to a complete constitutional overhaul.
Pragmatism and Flexibility – The uncodified constitution allows adaptation without the need for drastic breaks from the past.
