The Constitution

• What is the purpose of a constitution?

  To prevent a government from becoming over-powerful
• What are the types of constitutions?

  • Codified: Written in one document
  • Uncodified: Made up of several sources
  • Entrenched: Protected by a higher court
  • Non-entrenched: Easily amended laws
  • Unitary: Power concentrated in one body
  • Federal: Power shared between institutions
  • Rigid: Difficult to amend
  • Flexible: Easily amended
• What does it mean for a constitution to be entrenched?

  It requires special procedures to amend
• What does it mean for a constitution to be non-entrenched?

  Laws can be amended easily
• What are key documents of the UK Constitution?

  • Magna Carta, 1215
  • Bill of Rights, 1689
  • Act of Settlement, 1701
  • Acts of Union, 1707
  • Parliament Acts, 1911, 1949
  • European Communities Act, 1972
• What was the significance of the Magna Carta?

  It established basic rights like jury trials
• What rights did the Bill of Rights guarantee?

  Free elections and freedom of speech
• What did the Act of Settlement confirm?

  Parliament's power to determine succession
• What was the purpose of the Acts of Union, 1707?

  To unite Scotland with England and Wales
• What did the Parliament Acts of 1911 and 1949 change?

  Reduced the House of Lords' veto power
• What is the significance of the European Communities Act, 1972?

  EU law takes precedence over UK law
• What patterns of reform have occurred in the UK constitution?

  • Gradual change, not upheaval
  • Transfer of power from monarch to Parliament
  • Increased representation through franchise extension
  • Gradual increase in rights and liberties protection
• What was the outcome of the 1909 'people's budget' issue?

  Led to the Parliament Act of 1911
• How did the Parliament Act of 1911 affect Parliament's lifespan?

  Reduced maximum lifespan from seven to five years
• What is the role of Money Bills in relation to the House of Lords?

  They cannot be amended by the Lords
• How does the UK Constitution differ from the USA Constitution?

  The UK Constitution is uncodified, while the USA's is codified
• If a new law is proposed, which body must Money Bills start in?

  House of Commons
• What does the term 'franchise' refer to in the context of the UK Constitution?

  The right to vote in elections
• What is the significance of the Parliament Act of 1949?

  Further reduced Lords' delaying powers
• What does it mean for a constitution to be flexible?

  It can be easily amended or changed
• How has the UK Constitution evolved since 1997?

  Through significant constitutional reforms
• What is the historical context of the Magna Carta?

  Signed by King John in 1215
• What was the main aim of the Bill of Rights?

  To limit the power of the Monarch
• What does the term 'Parliamentary Privilege' refer to?

  Freedom of speech within Parliament
• What was the impact of the Acts of Union, 1707?

  Created the United Kingdom of Great Britain
• How did the Parliament Acts change the legislative process?

  Limited the House of Lords' power to veto
• What does the term 'veto' mean in the context of Parliament?

  The power to stop legislation
• What was the outcome of the general election in 1910?

  Led to the passing of the 'people's budget'
• What is the significance of the gradual transfer of power in the UK Constitution?

  It reflects increased representation and rights
• How does the gradual reform of the UK Constitution compare to the French Revolution?

  UK reforms were gradual, unlike the French upheaval
• What is the role of the House of Commons in relation to Money Bills?

  They must start in the House of Commons
• What does the term 'Royal Assent' refer to?

  Approval by the Monarch for legislation
• What is the historical significance of the year 1791 in relation to the USA Constitution?

  Year the USA Constitution was introduced
• What does the term 'interpretation' mean in the context of a constitution?

  Understanding the meaning of constitutional laws
• How has the extension of the franchise affected the House of Commons?

  Increased its representativeness over time
• What is the significance of the year 1997 in the context of UK constitutional reform?

  Marked significant constitutional changes
• What does the term 'pressure groups' refer to in UK politics?

  Organizations that influence political decisions
• How do pressure groups measure their success?

  Through their influence on political decisions
• What is the role of the media in UK politics?

  To inform the public and influence opinions
• What is the significance of the term 'democracy' in the UK context?

  System of government by the people