The constitution key terms

Constitution

A set of rules determining where sovereignty lies in a political system, and establishing the relationship between the government and the governed

Unentrenched (entrenched)

A constitution with no special procedure for amendment

Uncodified (codified)

A constitution not contained in a single written document

Unitary (federal)

A political system where all legal sovereignty is contained in a single place

Parliamentary sovereignty

The principle that Parliament can make, amend or unmake any law, and cannot bind its successors or be bound by its predecessors

The rule of law

The principle that all people and bodies, including government, must follow the law and can be held accountable if they do not

Statute law

Laws passed by parliament

Common law

Laws made by judges where the law doesn’t cover the issue or is unclear

Conventions

Traditions not contained in law but influential in the operation of a political system

Authoritative works

Works written by experts describing how a political system is run, not legally binding but are taken as significant guides

Treaties

Formal agreements either other countries, usually ratified by Parliament

Devolution

The dispersal of power, but not sovereignty, within a political system