Week 1 - The UK's Constitution

Question 1

What does uncodified mean?

Answer 1

That our law is written in lots of different locations - thus we have to take our influence from a number of sources

Question 2

How do we describe the UK’s Constitution?

Answer 2

Is it written (not unwritten) but merely uncodified

Question 3

Why can the UK’s constitution being uncodified be an advantage?

Answer 3

We have more flexibility - the law can be changed relatively easily

Question 4

What are the three sources of the UK’s constitution?

Answer 4

• statutory materials
• case law/common law
• conventions/customs

Question 5

What makes up statutory materials?

Answer 5

• The Magna Carta
• The Bill of Rights 1689
• The European Communities Act 1972
• The Human Rights Act 1998
• The Constitutional Reform Act 2005

Question 6

What are conventions/customs?

Answer 6

Considered ‘soft law’ - whilst not enforceable in the same way as legislation or the common law, they establish important principles that are respected and followed by the State

Question 7

What is an example of a convention/custom?

Answer 7

The Prime Minister will be selected from the House of Commons, rather than the House of Lords

Question 8

Who was the prerogative power pre 1668?

Answer 8

The Monarch

Question 9

Who has the prerogative powers now?

Answer 9

The government, where they are exercised by ministers

Question 10

How does Parliament remain vigilant to potential abuse?

Answer 10

Through holding the Government to account through a system of checks and balances:
- The Supreme Court
- The Committee System
- Parliamentary questions
- Debates
- Votes of Confidence