politics UK constitution

• Constitution


  The laws, rules and practices in which a state is governed
• Constitution


  • Allows for the setting out of formal relationships between different branches of government (executive, legislative, judicial)
  • Controls the outline of certain rights for citizens (Bill of Rights)
• Codified Constitution


  A constitution that is written down in a single document
• Uncodified Constitution


  A constitution that is not entirely written down in a single place
• The UK does not have a single document that we would call a constitution
• Codified Constitution


  • Constitution exists as a higher body of law that cannot simply be amended like a normal law
  • Laws are entrenched and difficult to change
• Uncodified Constitution


  • No higher laws or entrenched fundamental laws
  • Constitution is organic, developing and changing with society
• The UK has had examples of codified constitutions in the past, such as the Instrument of Government in 1653
• Merits of a written/codified constitution


  • Allows courts to strike down laws that are unconstitutional
  • Provides greater protection of civil liberties and human rights
  • Outlines processes for resolving complex constitutional issues
• Merits of an uncodified constitution

  • Allows the constitution to be shaped and changed quickly to address political and legal developments
  • Helps the judiciary remain apolitical
• There is disagreement over whether it is worth labelling some rights as "constitutional rights" to stress their importance
• Classifying a right as constitutional can strengthen its value and require the courts to protect it
• The principles of constitutionality in the UK are different from countries with a codified constitution
• Instrument of Government (1653)


  The first written constitution in England, established the Commonwealth of England, and outlined the structure of government.
• Act of Settlement (1701)


  A statute that addressed the succession to the British crown, providing that the crown would pass to the Electress Sophia of Hanover and her descendants if the then-reigning monarch died without issue.
• Parliament of the Commonwealth


  The unicameral legislature in the Commonwealth of England, established by the Instrument of Government in 1653, and consisting of a single chamber, the Nominated Assembly.
• Council of State


  An advisory body to the Lord Protector in the Commonwealth of England, established by the Instrument of Government in 1653, and responsible for exercising some executive functions.
• Lord Protector


  The head of state and government in the Commonwealth of England, established by the Instrument of Government in 1653, and held by Oliver Cromwell at the time.
• Commonwealth of England (1653)


  A new form of government established by the Instrument of Government in 1653, characterized by a strong executive and a unicameral legislature, and based on a written constitution.