UK Gov key terms 1: the Constitution

Question 1

CONSTITUTION

Answer 1

> set of rules determining where sovereignty lies in pol. system
est. relationship between gov. & those governed

Question 2

UNENTRENCHED

Answer 2

Const. with no special procedure for amendment

Question 3

UNCODIFIED

Answer 3

Const. not contained in a single written document

Question 4

UNITARY (OPPOSITE = FEDERAL)

Answer 4

All legal sovereignty contained in a single place

Question 5

PARLIAMENTRAY SOVEREIGNTY

Answer 5

> Parl. can make, amend or unmake any law
Cannot bind its successors or be bound by its predecessors

Question 6

THE RULE OF LAW

Answer 6

All people & bodies (inc. gov.) must follow the law and can be held to account if not

Question 7

STATUTE LAW

Answer 7

Laws passed by Parl.

Question 8

COMMON LAW

Answer 8

Laws made by judges where the law doesn’t cover the issue or is unclear

Question 9

CONVENTIONS

Answer 9

Traditions not contained in law but influential in the operation of a pol. system

Question 10

AUTHORITATIVE WORKS

Answer 10

Works written by experts describing how a pol. system is run
>not legally binding but are taken as significant guides

Question 11

TREATIES

Answer 11

Formal agreements with other countries, usually ratified by Parl.

Question 12

DEVOLUTION

Answer 12

Dispersal of power (NOT sovereignty) within a pol. system