UK constitution

Question 1

Role of constitution

Answer 1

Identifies who may exercise public power
Enables officials to exercise power
Imposes limits on exercise of power

Question 2

Uncodified v Codified

Answer 2

Codified: written in one place, difficult to amend/repeal.

Uncodified: no definitive text, adapts to new reality (flexible) and political in character

Question 3

Nature of UK constitution

Answer 3

Uncodified

Question 4

Sources of UK consititution

Answer 4

Statues/legislation 
Judicial precedent 
Statutory interpretation 
Laws/customs of Parliament 
Prerogative powers of Crown

Question 5

Constitutional conventions

Answer 5

Not laws but habits or practices (Dicey)
Enforced politically
Not enforceable in courts but regarded as binding by those who operation the Constitution
Example: appointment of PM after election

Question 6

Prerogative powers in UK consitution

Answer 6

‘Residue to discretionary or arbitrary authority of the Crown’ (Dicey)
Now = monarch decides, gov takes action
Examples: foreign affairs, choice of PM.