The Monarchy and the Constitution: Glossary Flashcards
What is the Bill of Rights (1689)?
A key statute that established parliamentary sovereignty and limited the powers of the monarchy while establishing some citizen’s rights.
It is a foundational document in British constitutional law.
Define Common Law.
Law developed by judges through court decisions, built upon previous legal precedents.
Common law evolves over time based on judicial rulings.
What are Conventions in governance?
Unwritten rules, customs, and traditions that influence governance but are not legally binding.
Conventions play a significant role in the functioning of the UK political system.
What is the Crown Estate?
Land and property owned by the monarch but managed independently, with profits used to fund the monarchy and the government.
The Crown Estate is a significant source of income for the UK government.
What does the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) outline?
Fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals, enforced by the European Court of Human Rights.
The ECHR plays a crucial role in protecting human rights across Europe.
What is the role of the Executive in government?
The branch of government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws, led by the Prime Minister and Cabinet in the UK.
The Executive carries out the day-to-day administration of government.
What is the Human Rights Act 1998?
UK legislation that incorporated the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law, creating tension between the courts, parliament, and European legal bodies.
This act allows UK citizens to seek justice for human rights violations in UK courts.
Define Judiciary.
The branch of government responsible for interpreting the laws, made up of judges and courts.
The Judiciary ensures that laws are applied fairly and justly.
What is the Legislature?
The branch of government responsible for making new laws, composed of the House of Commons and House of Lords in the UK.
The Legislature plays a key role in the democratic process.
What is the Magna Carta (1215)?
A historic document that established that everyone, including the monarch, is subject to the law, seen as the cornerstone of the British Constitution.
The Magna Carta laid the foundation for modern legal principles.
What is Parliamentary Sovereignty?
The principle that Parliament is the supreme legal authority in the UK and has the power to make or repeal any law.
This principle underpins the UK’s constitutional framework.
What is the Privy Purse?
The monarch’s private income, derived from the Duchy of Lancaster estate.
The Privy Purse is separate from public funding sources.
What does Royal Assent refer to?
The formal approval of a bill passed by Parliament by the monarch, which is now a formality.
Royal Assent is essential for a bill to become law.
Define Separation of Powers.
The principle of dividing governmental authority between the executive, legislature, and judiciary to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
This principle is fundamental in maintaining a balanced government.
What is the Sovereign Grant?
The public funding of the monarchy that is tied to profits from the Crown Estate.
The Sovereign Grant is intended to support the official duties of the monarchy.
What is a Statute?
An Act of Parliament which is a primary source of law in the UK.
Statutes are critical for the legislative framework of the UK.
What are Treatises?
Authoritative books on constitutional law and practice.
Treatises provide in-depth analysis and commentary on legal principles.
What does the term Unwritten Constitution refer to?
A constitution that is not codified into a single document but is composed of multiple sources, such as statutes, common law, conventions, and treatises.
The UK’s constitution is often described as unwritten due to its diverse sources.
