Sources of the UK constitution

• What is one of the most important sources of the UK constitution?

  Statute law
• Why does statute law override other laws in the UK?

  Due to the principle of parliamentary sovereignty
• What is common law based on?

  Precedent and tradition
• What are conventions in the context of the UK constitution?

  Non-legal established rules of conduct
• What are works of authority in the UK constitution?

  Scholarly writings outlining constitutional correctness
• What is the order of importance of UK constitutional sources?

  EU law, Statute law, Common law, Conventions
• What does parliamentary sovereignty mean?

  Supreme power lies with Parliament
• Who suggested that Parliament can do anything except turn a man into a woman?

  JS Mill
• Why is Parliament considered sovereign?

  There is no codified constitution to challenge it
• What challenges the idea of parliamentary sovereignty?

  Wider use of referendums
• What is the second 'twin pillar' of the UK constitution?

  Rule of law
• What does the rule of law state?

  The law applies to everyone, including government
• What is meant by parliamentary government?

  Fusion of powers between executive and legislature
• What is the role of the monarchy in the UK government?

  It has no real political power
• What does EU membership mean for UK law?

  EU law can override statute law in some cases
• What was established by the Factortame case of 1991?

  EU law can override UK law
• What areas are affected by EU policy directives?

  Human rights, environmental policy, consumer affairs
• What power does the UK Parliament retain regarding the EU?

  The power to leave the EU at any time
• What document established the supremacy of Parliament over the monarch?

  Bill of Rights
• What type of bills cannot be amended by the Lords?

  Money Bills
• What is the term for a constitution not written as one document?

  Uncodified
• What is the term for a constitution where power is centralized in one body?

  Unitary
• What is sometimes referred to as 'judge-made law'?

  Common Law
• Which Act united England and Wales with Scotland?

  Act of Union
• What are long-established practices in the UK constitution?

  Conventions
• What are the main sources of the UK constitution?

  • Statute law
  • Common law
  • Conventions
  • Works of authority
  • EU laws/treaties
• What are the key principles of the UK constitution?

  • Parliamentary sovereignty
  • Rule of law
  • Constitutional monarchy
  • Parliamentary government
• What are the implications of EU membership for the UK constitution?

  • EU law can override UK statute law
  • UK Parliament retains the power to leave the EU
  • Conflicts may arise between EU laws and UK laws
• What challenges the concept of parliamentary sovereignty?

  • Increased use of referendums
  • Conflicts with EU laws
  • Practical considerations and outside interests
• What is statute law?

  Law made by Parliament
• Why is statute law important in the UK constitution?

  It overrides other laws due to sovereignty
• What is common law?

  Judge-made law based on precedent
• How do judges use common law?

  By referencing previous decisions on cases
• What are the Royal Prerogative powers now exercised by?

  The Prime Minister
• What are conventions in the context of law?

  Non-legal established rules of conduct
• What is meant by collective responsibility?

  All ministers support government policy
• What are works of authority?

  Scholarly writings on constitutional correctness
• What is the status of EU laws in the UK?

  UK is subject to EU laws and treaties
• What happens when EU laws conflict with UK law?

  It questions parliamentary sovereignty
• What is the Treaty of Rome?

  An EU treaty from 1957