Uk constitution

• What is a constitution?

  A set of rules, laws, and customs
• What institutions uphold and enforce a constitution?

  Parliament, courts, and other bodies
• What are the two types of constitutions mentioned?

  Written and unwritten constitutions
• What does a written constitution typically consist of?

  A formal document summarizing rights
• How does the German Federal Republic's constitution differ from the US Constitution?

  It is referred to as "the Basic Law"
• What is a notable feature of the Canadian federal constitution?

  It lacks a single, codified text
• What is the significance of the US Constitution?

  It is the nation's supreme law
• What phrase begins the US Constitution?

  "We the People"
• What does the First Amendment protect?

  Freedom of speech and religion
• What is a common debate regarding the Second Amendment?

  It concerns the right to bear arms
• What is a characteristic of an unwritten constitution?

  It lacks a single codified document
• What does the UK's unwritten constitution consist of?

  Statutes, conventions, and common law
• What is one advantage of an unwritten constitution?

  Flexibility to modify laws as needed
• What is a disadvantage of an unwritten constitution?

  No codified guarantees of specific freedoms
• What does the Human Rights Act of 1998 provide?

  Some guarantees of specific freedoms
• What was Tony Blair's consideration regarding the Lisbon Treaty?

  It could reduce rights due to lack of codification
• What are the components of the British unwritten constitution?

  Statute law, common law, and conventions
• What is the role of the Black Rod in Parliament?

  To ceremonially forbid entry to the Commons
• What does the Act of Settlement (1701) ensure?

  Presidential succession to the throne
• What does the Parliament Acts of 2011 allow?

  Government to force through obstructed bills
• What is the significance of common law in the UK?

  It addresses unclear acts of offense
• What are conventions in the context of the unwritten constitution?

  Practices not codified but accepted as law
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of an unwritten constitution?

  Advantages:

  • Flexibility to modify laws
  • Adaptable to changing circumstances

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • No codified guarantees of freedoms
  • Interpretation can be subjective and lengthy
  • Significant changes can occur without clear process
• What are the components of the British unwritten constitution?

  1. Statute law (Acts of Parliament)
  2. Common law (judge-made law)
  3. Conventions (accepted practices)
• What is the role of the Act of Settlement (1701)?

  • Ensures presidential succession to the throne
  • Prevents a Catholic from ruling in a Catholic state
  • Establishes judicial independence
• What does the Parliament Acts of 2011 enable the government to do?

  • Force through bills obstructed by the House of Lords
  • Remove the power of the House of Lords to reject money bills
  • Introduce maximum duration for Parliament
• What is the fine line mentioned in the text regarding suffrage?

  It involves conveying or causing distress to others
• What are conventions in the context of the UK constitution?

  • Unwritten rules and practices
  • Not codified into a single document
  • Accepted as part of the unwritten constitution
• What is collective ministerial responsibility in government?

  It refers to the Cabinet's accountability
• What does the Queen's assent signify in parliamentary legislation?

  It is a ritual of automatic approval
• What is the role of the Black Rod during the State Opening of Parliament?

  To ceremonially forbid entry to the Commons
• What is the significance of the wool sack in the House of Commons?

  It symbolizes material wealth
• How are traditions defined in the context of the UK constitution?

  • Uncodified agreements
  • No basis in general principles
  • Evolve organically over time
• What is the 1950 European Convention on Human Rights?

  It is written into UK law via the Human Rights Act
• When was NATO founded and how many countries are currently members?

  NATO was founded in 1949 and has 30 members
• What is the main issue regarding Britain's unwritten Constitution?

  It contains internal contradictions
• Who wrote about the relationship between parliament and monarchy in 1867?

  Walter Bagehot
• What does the separation of powers aim to prevent?

  Concentration of power leading to despotism
• What are the three branches of government in the separation of powers?

  Executive, legislature, and judiciary
• What is the role of Parliament in the UK government?

  To approve or reject proposed legislation