Constitutional & Administrative Law Review

A collection of vocabulary flashcards derived from the lecture notes on constitutional and administrative law.

Constitutionalism

The doctrine governing the legitimacy of government action, requiring conformity with philosophical values and accountability to law.

Intra vires

The exercise of power within the legal limits conferred by Parliament.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent abuse of power.

Written Constitution

A constitution contained within a single document or series of documents defining the basic rules of the state.

Unwritten Constitution

A constitution not codified in a single document, consisting of statutes, conventions, and judicial decisions.

Rule of Law

The principle that all individuals and institutions are subject to and accountable to law that is fairly applied.

Royal Prerogative

The powers exercised by the Crown that do not require an Act of Parliament.

Constitutional Conventions

Unwritten rules that are followed as a matter of practice but are not legally enforceable.

Parliamentary Sovereignty

The doctrine that Parliament has supreme legal authority and can create or end any law.

Normative Statement

A statement that prescribes how things ought to be, often setting a standard of conduct.

Legislative Supremacy

The principle that the legislative branch of government has ultimate power over other branches.

Accountability to Electorate

The requirement that government officials must be answerable to the people for their actions.

Rigid Constitution

A constitution that is difficult to amend, requiring special procedures for changes.

Flexible Constitution

A constitution that can be amended easily, typically through ordinary legislative processes.