2. Political Power in the UK

Uncodified Constitution

A constitution not written in a single document but based on multiple sources.

What are the main sources of the UK constitution

Statute law, common law, conventions, works of authority and treaties.

Statute Law

Laws passed by Parliament that are legally binding.

Statute Law example

The Human Rights Act 1998 protects rights like freedom and fair treatment.

Common Law

Law developed through judicial decisions in court cases.

Common Law example

Donoghue v Stevenson established duty of care in negligence law.

Constitutional Conventions

Unwritten rules that guide political behaviour but are not legally enforceable.

Convention example

The monarch gives Royal Assent to laws passed by Parliament.

Works of Authority

Expert writings that guide how Parliament operates.

Works of Authority example

Erskine May is used as a key parliamentary reference.

Treaties

Formal agreements between countries that influence UK law and politics.

Treaty example

The Good Friday Agreement shaped governance in Northern Ireland.

Why is the UK constitution flexible

It can be changed easily through new laws or decisions.

Advantage of an uncodified constitution

It is adaptable to changing political circumstances.

Disadvantage of an uncodified constitution

It can be unclear as rules are not in one single document.

How does the constitution protect rights

Through laws like the Human Rights Act and court decisions.

Why might the UK constitution lack clarity

It is spread across different sources rather than one document.

Where does political power reside in the UK

Citizens, Parliament, government, courts and devolved/local governments.

How do citizens hold power

They vote in elections and influence decisions through participation.

Role of Parliament

It debates, amends and passes laws.

Role of Government

It runs the country and proposes laws.

Role of the Courts

They interpret and apply the law fairly.

Role of devolved governments

They make decisions on regional issues like education and health.

Who is the current UK monarch

Charles III.

Role of the monarch

The monarch is ceremonial and “reigns but does not rule”.

What is Royal Assent

The monarch formally approves laws passed by Parliament.

Other roles of the monarch

State Opening of Parliament, appointing Prime Minister and symbolising unity.

Why is the monarch politically neutral

To avoid interfering with democratic decision

What is the Executive

The branch of government that runs the country and proposes laws.

Executive example

The government introduced the smoking ban in public places.

What is the Legislature

The branch that makes and passes laws.

Legislature example

Parliament raised the school leaving age.

What is the Judiciary

The branch that interprets law and ensures justice.

Judiciary example

Courts sentence criminals and resolve disputes.

Why is separation of powers important

It prevents too much power being concentrated in one branch.

How does separation of powers protect democracy

Each branch can limit the actions of the others.

Case study R (Miller) v Secretary of State for Exiting the EU (2017)

The Supreme Court ruled Parliament must approve triggering Article 50.

Why was the Miller case significant

It reinforced parliamentary sovereignty over government actions.

Role of the police

Enforce the law, prevent crime and maintain public order.

Role of the civil service

Neutral officials who implement policies and advise ministers.

Why is the civil service politically neutral

To ensure decisions are made based on expertise not politics.

Why are courts important in the UK constitution

They uphold the rule of law and protect rights.

How does Parliament check government

It debates laws, questions ministers and can reject proposals.

How does government influence Parliament

It usually has a majority to pass laws.

One limitation of separation of powers in the UK

The executive and legislature overlap as ministers sit in Parliament.