The Monarchy and the Constitution Flashcards
What is the key difference between a written and an unwritten constitution?
A written constitution is a single document outlining a nation’s rights and values, while an unwritten constitution derives from multiple sources.
The UK has an unwritten constitution.
Name three sources that make up the British unwritten constitution.
- Statute (Acts of Parliament)
- Common Law (judge-made law)
- Conventions (customs and traditions)
These sources collectively inform the legal framework of the UK.
Explain the principle of Parliamentary Sovereignty.
Parliamentary Sovereignty means that Parliament is the supreme legal authority and the monarch can only act through Parliament.
This principle shifted power away from the monarch and towards the elected representatives.
What was the significance of the 1689 Bill of Rights in shaping the British Constitution?
The 1689 Bill of Rights established parliamentary sovereignty, stating that the monarchy could only act through parliament.
It also established frequent parliaments, free elections, and the right of MPs to speak freely.
How does the Human Rights Act 1998 impact UK law?
The Human Rights Act 1998 incorporated the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law.
This has led to conflicts between Parliament and the European Court of Human Rights, such as the issue of prisoner voting rights.
Describe the concept of the separation of powers.
The separation of powers divides governmental authority into three branches: the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary.
In the UK, there’s some overlap between these branches, as executive members are also members of the legislature.
Outline the roles of the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary in the British government.
- Executive (Prime Minister and Cabinet) enforces laws
- Legislature (Parliament) makes laws
- Judiciary (Supreme Court and other courts) interprets laws
Each branch has distinct functions that contribute to the governance of the country.
What are the main elements that define the UK as a liberal democracy?
- No one is above the law
- Right to a fair trial
- Separation of powers
- Independent judiciary
- Free press
- Free elections
These principles ensure the protection of individual freedoms and democratic governance.
Explain the concept of the ‘Monarch reigns but does not rule’.
The notion means the monarch is the head of state with primarily ceremonial duties and little real power.
Actual political power lies with the government and parliament.
What are the key ways the British monarchy is funded?
- Sovereign Grant (a percentage of the profits from the Crown Estate)
- Privy Purse (a personal pot of money derived from the Duchy of Lancaster)
These funding sources support the operational costs of the monarchy.
