UK Politics - Constitution (Unit 1)

Constitution

A system of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state is governed. It outlines the powers of government, rights of citizens, and the structure of governmental institutions.

Codified

constitution that is written and consolidated into a single document, providing a clear and accessible framework for governance.

Uncodified

A constitution that is not written in a single document but instead consists of various statutes, conventions, judicial decisions, and works of authority, allowing for more flexibility in governance.

Rule of law

The principle that all individuals and institutions are subject to and accountable under the law, ensuring fairness and justice in governance.

Parliamentary sovereignty

The principle that Parliament has the supreme legal authority to make or unmake any law, and no other body can challenge its decisions.

Collective rights

Rights held by a group rather than individuals, emphasizing the group's needs and interests in governance and social justice.

Statute Law

Law enacted by a legislative body, formally written and codified.

Royal prerogative

The special rights and privileges historically held by the monarch, allowing them to act without parliamentary approval in certain areas, such as foreign affairs and the appointment of ministers.

Common Law

A body of unwritten laws based on legal precedents established by the courts, evolving through case law and judicial decisions.

Conventions

Unwritten practices and traditions that guide political behavior and decision-making within the UK Parliament

Treaties

Formal agreements between states or sovereign entities, often requiring ratification by Parliament in the UK.

Democracy

A system of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives.

Devolution

The transfer of powers from a central government to regional or local governments, allowing them to make decisions on specific issues.

Referendum

A direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal or policy, often resulting in the adoption of new legislation.

Entrenched

Constitutional provisions that are safeguarded against easy amendment, requiring special procedures for change.

Inalienable 

rights that cannot be surrendered or transferred, often seen as fundamental and inherent to all individuals.

Unitary state

A system of governance where the central government holds supreme authority, and any administrative divisions exercise only powers that the central government chooses to delegate.

Civil Liberties

fundamental rights and freedoms that protect individuals from government overreach and ensure personal autonomy within a society.

Authoritative works

that define the views and principles of a particular system, often serving as primary sources of law or guidance.

Strength of UK constitution

.Flexible - unwritten meaning it was able to adapt over timr as societys attitude change.

.Efficient - easily adaptable

.Parliamentary sovereignty  - nobody has all the power, but Parliament is supreme in its authority. allows efficiency legislation without constitional consultant 

.rule of law - party gate

weakness of Uk constitution

• weak protected rights

• lack of clarity - lead to confusion and differing interpretations 

• insufficient checks on government power.

• outdated elements e.g house of lords and the monarch

Key laws and documents that contributed to the British constitution

• Magna Carta (1215)

• The bill of rights (1689)

• The act of settlement (1701)

• The Act of Union (1707)

• Parliament Act (1911)

• Parliament Act (1949)

• Life Peerages Act (1958)

• European Communities Act (1972) 

Magna Carta (What, Why, Impact)

A foundational document signed in 1215 that limited the powers of the monarchy, established legal rights for subjects, and laid the groundwork for constitutional governance in England.