The Constitution Key Terminology

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts related to the Constitution, including definitions and examples.

Constitution

A set of rules, laws, and principles that define the structure of the state, the powers of government, and the rights of citizens.

Unentrenched Constitution

A constitution that can be easily changed by a simple majority in Parliament, such as the UK constitution.

Entrenched Constitution

A constitution that requires a special procedure (e.g. supermajority or referendum) to be changed, like the US constitution.

Uncodified Constitution

A constitution not written in a single document; made up of different sources, like the UK constitution.

Codified Constitution

A constitution that is contained in a single, authoritative document outlining constitutional rules, such as the US constitution.

Unitary State

A state where all legal sovereignty is held by the central government, like the UK.

Federal System

A system where sovereignty is shared between a central government and subnational units, such as states or provinces, like in the USA or Germany.

Parliamentary Sovereignty

The principle that Parliament is the supreme legal authority in the UK and can make or repeal any law.

The Rule of Law

The principle that everyone, including government, is subject to the law, and laws must be applied equally and fairly.

Statute Law

Laws passed by Parliament, considered the most important source of the UK constitution due to parliamentary sovereignty.

Common Law

Legal principles developed by judges through decisions in court, used when no statute exists.

Conventions

Unwritten customs that guide constitutional behavior, not legally enforceable but widely followed.

Authoritative Works

Respected legal texts that explain constitutional practices and are considered reliable guides.

Treaties

Formal agreements with other countries important in foreign affairs, such as the Treaty of Lisbon (2007).

Devolution

The transfer of powers from central government to regional governments without surrendering parliamentary sovereignty.