Topic 5: Government

Question 1

Define constitution

Answer 1

The rules by which a country is governed. Constitutions organise, distribute and regulate RULES

Question 2

Identify the 3 universal branches of government.

Answer 2

1) Legislature - makes law
2) Executive - suggests law
3) Judiciary - interprets law

Question 3

Define Uncodified Constitution + give 2 examples

Answer 3

There is no single legal document which sets out in one place the fundamental laws outlining how the state works. EG: UK, Israel

Question 4

Define codified constitution + give an example

Answer 4

The key constitutional structure + arrangement in a state are collected within a single legal document. Most common type of constitution. EG: USA

Question 5

Identify the 3 characteristics of codified constitutions:

Answer 5

1) document is authoritative
2)entrenched (difficult to amend/abolish)
3)it is judiciable.

Question 6

What is a unitary constitution?

Answer 6

It establishes the constitutional supremacy of central government over local bodies

Question 7

Whats the main role of party whips

Answer 7

They ensure loyalty to the party and correct behaviour of MPs

Question 8

What are the 4 sources of the UK constitution

Answer 8

-conventions
-common law
-statute law (laws made by parliament)
-works of authority (books made to explain the workings of the UK constitution

Question 9

What are the twin pillar principles of the UK constitution

Answer 9

Rule of law & parliamentary sovereignty

Question 10

Give 3 examples of constitutional reform introduced in 1998

Answer 10

-devolution process
-House of Lords reform
-Human Rights Act introduced

Question 11

What are the stages to pass a bill in parliament?

Answer 11

-first reading of bill starting in House of commons
-second reading, committee stage, report stage, third reading
-bill passed to house of lords where previous stages are repeated
-consideration of amendments occurs
-royal assent is granted, bill is passed