Development of UK constitution

Magna Carta

1215

Forced King John to accept 63 clauses

Barons placed limits on the power of the monarchy

Established principle that the crown is not above the law

First statement of the principle that one cannot be punished without due process of the law

Bill of rights

1689

Previous King overthrown in revolution - tried to establish absolute monarchy

Parl offered crown to William of Orange and James’ daughter Mary

Had to accept Bill of Rights

Gave legal force to certain ancient rights and liberties

Inc. regular summoning of parl, freedom of speech in parliament and no taxation without consent of parl

Act of Settlement

1701

Confirmed Parliamentary sovereignty over crown

Parl had authority to determine successor to throne

Confirmed judicial independence - judge can only be removed if both houses agree

Acts of union

1707

United parliament of Scotland with that of England and Wales

created UK

The parliament acts

1911 + 1949

1911 Lords lost right to veto

Lords could not amend financial bills

Could delay other acts by 2 years

1949 reduced right to delay to 1 year

Asserted primacy of Commons over Lords

What are the 5 main developments of the UK constitution?

Magna Carta 1215

Bill of rights 1689

Act of settlement 1701

Acts of union 1707

Parliament acts 1911 + 1949