What is a constitution? Flashcards
What is a constitution?
A constitution is a set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is governed.
True or False: The UK has a single written constitution.
False
What are the main sources of the UK constitution?
Statute law, common law, conventions, works of authority, and EU law.
Fill in the blank: The UK constitution is often described as __________.
unwritten
What is statute law?
Laws that have been passed by Parliament.
Which document is considered a key part of the UK’s constitutional framework?
The Magna Carta
What role do conventions play in the UK constitution?
They are unwritten rules that guide the behavior of political actors.
What is common law?
Law developed by judges through court decisions, as opposed to statutes.
True or False: Conventions are legally enforceable.
False
What is the significance of the Human Rights Act 1998?
It incorporates the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a source of the UK constitution? A) Statute Law B) Common Law C) International Treaties D) Religious Texts
D) Religious Texts
What does ‘sovereignty’ mean in the context of the UK constitution?
The supreme authority within a territory.
Fill in the blank: The UK constitution is characterized as __________ and flexible.
uncodified
What is the role of the judiciary in relation to the UK constitution?
To interpret and apply the law, ensuring that statutes comply with the constitution.
True or False: The UK constitution can be changed by a simple majority in Parliament.
True
What is the significance of the Parliament Acts of 1911 and 1949?
They allow the House of Commons to bypass the House of Lords in certain circumstances.
What is the difference between codified and uncodified constitutions?
A codified constitution is written in a single document, while an uncodified constitution consists of various sources.
Who is considered the ‘father’ of the UK constitution?
A.V. Dicey
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a feature of the UK constitution? A) Rigid B) Codified C) Flexible D) Monolithic
C) Flexible
What is devolution in the context of the UK constitution?
The transfer of powers from central government to regional governments.
Fill in the blank: The UK constitution is characterized by __________ and parliamentary sovereignty.
pluralism
What is a constitutional convention?
An established practice that is followed by the country’s institutions, which is not legally enforceable.
True or False: The Prime Minister is required by law to resign after losing a vote of confidence.
False
What is the significance of the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011?
It established a system of fixed terms for the UK Parliament, limiting the Prime Minister’s ability to call early elections.
What is the role of the monarchy in the UK constitution?
The monarchy acts as a ceremonial figurehead and has a constitutional role in the functioning of Parliament.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a characteristic of an unwritten constitution? A) It is difficult to change B) It is easy to understand C) It is found in a single document D) It is flexible
D) It is flexible
