Politics constitution

• What is the nature of the British Constitution?

  It is uncodified.
• What does it mean that the British Constitution is uncodified?


  It is found in a variety of sources.
• What is a significant consequence of the British Constitution being uncodified?

  It makes it difficult for British people to understand their rights and how the political systems work.
• What is another significance of the uncodified nature of the British Constitution?

  It is easier to adapt the constitution.
• What type of constitution is the British Constitution?

  Unitary.
• What does it mean that the British Constitution is unitary?

  All power ultimately derives from the central government.
• What is a significant consequence of the unitary nature of the British Constitution?

  The Westminster parliament is sovereign and therefore very powerful.
• What does it mean that any power given to devolved regions is delegated and not transferred permanently?

  It means that the central government can revoke that power at any time.
• What is the rule of law?

  Everyone is equally subject to the laws of the land.
• What is a significant aspect of the rule of law regarding governments and ministers?

  Even governments and ministers cannot break their own laws.
• Why is the rule of law significant for Britain?

  It identifies Britain as a modern liberal democracy.
• How does the rule of law ensure the powers of government are limited?

  It ensures that governments act within their own rules and guidelines.
• What can happen if a government breaks its own rules according to the rule of law?

  It can lead to the government having to reverse an action.
• What is parliamentary sovereignty?

  Parliament is the supreme authority on the land.
• What does it mean that the constitution is what parliament says?

  It can be altered at will by statute law.
• Why is parliamentary sovereignty considered a fundamental principle of the British constitution?

  It makes the constitution flexible and easy to change.
• What does it mean that no parliament can bind its successor?

  It means the constitution can be changed or reversed over time.
• What is statute law?

  Acts of parliament that affect and alter the British constitution.
• What do statute laws cover?

  They cover laws about who can vote, how elections are run, and civil liberties.
• What is the significance of statute law in the British constitution?


  It remains flexible and adaptable.
• What trend has been observed in statute law regarding democracy and individual rights?

  The trend has been towards expanding and protecting democracy and individual rights.
• What is common law?

  Laws passed down over the years by legal judgments in courts.
• What does common law represent?

  Judicial precedence.
• What is a key historical document based on common law?

  The Magna Carta.
• What is the significance of common law in relation to statute law?

  Common law does not have precedence over statute law or acts of parliament.
• How can statute law affect rights granted under common law?

  Statute law can repeal or modify rights granted under common law.
• What is the royal prerogative?


  The historic political powers of the monarch, now effectively transferred to the prime minister.
• What is the significance of the royal prerogative?

  It is a way that governments can extend their powers.
• How can the royal prerogative be limited?


  It can be limited by acts of parliament.
• What are conventions in the context of the British Constitution?


  Unwritten traditions that help to keep the state running smoothly.
• What is the significance of conventions?


  They normally work well but are not protected by anything more substantial than tradition.
• What is the role of authoritative opinions in the British Constitution?


  They clarify and explain the inner workings of the constitution.
• What is the significance of authoritative opinions?


  They help to smooth the running of government but have no legal authority.
• How are authoritative opinions typically approved?


  They are usually approved formally by parliament.
• What are international treaties and conventions?


  Treaties or agreements that the UK government has signed up to.
• What is the significance of international treaties and conventions?


  They solidify other laws and protect certain rights.
• How does the British constitution defend citizens' rights effectively?


  Through statute laws and anti-discrimination laws, more rights have been explicitly defended.
• Why might codification not enhance awareness of individual or collective rights?


  Because constitutions should be judged by how they work, not how they look.
• How do large numbers of people and pressure groups use the courts in relation to their rights?

  They assert their rights and demand access to information held about them by public bodies.
• What is a significant criticism of the British constitution regarding rights?


  Many laws have loopholes and gaps and can be ineffective.