UK Constitution: Fundamentals & Sources

• What are the key features of a written constitution?

  • Outlines fundamental principles, structures, and procedures of government
  • Codified into a single document for easy reference
  • Defines the powers and limitations of the government
• What is the definition of a constitution?

  A set of rules for governance
• What is the key reason why the constitution is considered supreme?

  All organs of government derive their power from the constitution
• How does the UK constitution differ from the US constitution in terms of amendment?

  The UK constitution is flexible, while the US is rigid
• What are the key components of the UK constitution?

  • Defines powers of Parliament
  • Outlines the role of the Prime Minister
  • Specifies rights of citizens
  • It is unwritten
• What is the primary source of the UK Constitution?

  Derived from several sources
• How does the structure of government differ between federal and unitary systems?

  Federal systems have divided powers between central and state/provincial governments, while unitary systems have a single centralized government
• What type of constitution does the USA have regarding amendments?

  Rigid
• What do Acts of Parliament establish in the UK Constitution?

  Legal rules and rights
• What does a constitution establish for a country or organization?

  How it operates and assigns powers
• Is the UK Constitution considered written or unwritten?

  Unwritten
• Which country has a unitary constitution?

  UK
• Who has the power to change the rules in the UK?

  Parliament
• How are constitutions primarily classified?

  By their form and structure
• Compare the UK and US constitutions based on form, amendment, power, and head.

  • UK: Unwritten, Flexible, Unitary, Monarchical
  • USA: Written, Rigid, Federal, Republican
• How does the UK constitution differ from written constitutions?

  It is unwritten, unlike many others
• What does a constitution outline for individuals?

  Rights and freedoms individuals have
• What is the significance of the unwritten nature of the UK Constitution?

  • Flexibility in governance
  • Adaptability to changing circumstances
  • Reliance on conventions and practices
• What are the three core principles of the UK constitution?

  Rule of Law, Parliamentary Sovereignty, Separation of Powers
• What is meant by Parliamentary Sovereignty?

  Parliament is supreme and can make or repeal laws
• What are the components of the UK's rule book compared to building blocks?

  • Parliament's Rules: Big blocks
  • Judge's Rules: Special blocks
  • Queen/King's Powers: Unique blocks
  • "We Always Do": Special arrangement of blocks
• What are the main sources of the UK Constitution?

  • Acts of Parliament: Statutes establishing legal rules
  • Case Law: Judicial decisions interpreting the constitution
  • Royal Prerogative: Powers inherent to the Crown
  • Constitutional Conventions: Unwritten rules governing behavior
• What are constitutional conventions?

  Unwritten rules governing government behavior
• What is the distinction between republican and monarchical heads of state?

  Republican heads are elected, monarchical are hereditary
• What is the relationship between the Queen's prerogative powers and conventions?

  The Queen uses prerogative powers based on conventions.
• What is the royal prerogative and how has it evolved over time?

  • The royal prerogative refers to the powers traditionally held by the monarch as head of the kingdom
  • These powers are now largely exercised by ministers on the advice of the government
  • The monarch uses the prerogative to appoint/dismiss the prime minister, prorogue parliament, and give royal assent to bills
  • Ministers exercise prerogative powers over foreign affairs, treaties, war, and public appointments
• What is one important rule in the UK's rule book?

  Everyone must follow the rules
• What are the key components of the royal prerogative and constitutional conventions in the UK?

  • Royal prerogative: formal powers (e.g., appointing Prime Ministers)
  • Constitutional conventions: unwritten rules (e.g., Monarch approving bills)
  • Interaction: Queen acts on Ministers' advice
• How is a written rule book described?

  All rules in one book
• What are the three different roles in the UK's rule system?

  Make rules, carry them out, ensure compliance
• What does the Rule of Law principle state?

  Everyone is subject to and accountable under law
• Which country has a federal constitution?

  USA
• How does the Separation of Powers function in the UK constitution?

  The executive, legislative, and judicial branches operate separately
• What is the royal prerogative in the context of the UK Constitution?

  Powers inherent to the Crown
• Why is a written constitution usually codified?

  So that it can be referenced easily as a single document
• What does the term "Royal Prerogative" refer to?

  Powers unique to the King or Queen
• How does the UK constitution allow for evolution?

  • Through statutes
  • Judicial decisions
  • Conventions
  • Provides order and adaptability
• How does the judiciary enjoy wider power through a written constitution?

  Through judicial review and interpretation of constitutional provisions
• What are some of the prerogative powers exercised by ministers?

  Prerogative powers exercised by ministers include the conduct of foreign affairs, negotiating treaties, going to war and making public appointments.
• What type of head of state does France have?

  Republican