Politics (UK) - Structure & Role of Parliament (unit 2)

House of lords

The upper chamber of the UK Parliament, consisting of appointed members, bishops, and hereditary peers, which reviews legislation proposed by the House of Commons and provides expertise in various areas. (weaker than parliament itself)

The speaker

responsible for maintaining order during debates, ensuring rules are followed, and representing the Commons in its relations with the Crown and the House of Lords.

Party whips

are officials in a political party responsible for party discipline, ensuring members attend and vote according to party lines, and communicating party positions to members.

Party whip for the tories

Rebecca Harris

Party whip for labour

Samantha Renolyds

Party whip for lib dems

Wendy Chamberlain

Head of state

Monarch (King charles) → ceremonial role → weekly meeting with the PMs

Front bench

The group of senior members of parliament from the ruling party or official opposition, responsible for leading debates and shaping policy.

Backbenchers

Members of parliament who do not hold government office or sit on the front bench, often representing their constituents' interests.

Prime Minister

The head of government in the UK, responsible for running the country, making policy decisions, and representing the nation both domestically and internationally. The Prime Minister leads the executive branch and is typically the leader of the ruling party.

Constitution

A set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is governed.

Codified

refers to a constitution that is written and organized into a single document, providing a clear framework for governance and the rule of law.

rule of law

no one is above the law and everyone is accountable to it.

parliamentary sovereignity

The principle that Parliament has the ultimate legal authority in the UK, meaning it can make or overturn any law without being challenged by any other body.

collective rights

Rights held by a group, ensuring protection and benefits for minorities or specific communities.

statute law

Laws enacted by Parliament, which are written and codified.

royal perogative

The royal prerogative refers to the special powers and privileges historically exercised by the monarch, which include issuing orders, appointing ministers, and conducting foreign affairs, often carried out in the name of the Crown.

common law

A body of law developed through court decisions and judicial interpretations, as opposed to statutes enacted by Parliament.

conventions

Established practices and customs that guide political behavior and decision-making in Parliament, often unwritten but considered binding.

treaties

Formal agreements between sovereign states, usually requiring ratification by Parliament in the UK.

democracy

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

devolution

The process by which powers and responsibilities are transferred from central government to regional or local governments. It allows for greater autonomy and local decision-making in areas such as health, education, and transportation.

referendum

A direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal and can result in the adoption of new legislation or policies.

entrenched

A term used to describe provisions in a constitution that are difficult to amend or repeal, ensuring certain rights or principles are protected

inalienable

Rights that cannot be taken away or surrendered, as they are fundamental to human dignity and freedom.

unitary state

A centralized form of government where all powers are held by a single, national authority, with limited or no authority given to subnational entities.

civil liberties

Fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed to individuals, protecting them from government interference and ensuring personal autonomy.

strengths of the uk constitution

Flexibility - unwritten nature of the constitution allows it to adapt over time as societys opinions change

Parliamentary sovereignity - Parliament is the supreme legal authority, enabling it to create or repeal any law without restriction

Clarity of executive power - The constitution clearly defines the powers and responsibilities of the executive branch, contributing to efficient governance.

weakness of the UK constitution

lack of clarity - absence of one document could be confusing and differing interruptions

Concentration of power - the principle of parliamentary sovereignty, combined with a lack of separation of powers, can potentially lead to an excessive concentration of power

outdated elements - the monarchy and the House of Lords, are considered by some to be outdated and not representative of a modern democratic society

name all the key documents ( + dates) which contributed to the UK constitution

Bill of rights (1701)

Magna Carta (1215)

Parliamnets Acts (1949 +

Act of Settlement (1701)

European Communities Act (1972)