Key Concepts of the British Constitution and Governance

Uncodified

A constitution not written in a single document.

Statute

Written laws enacted by Parliament.

Common Law

Law developed through court decisions.

Conventions

Unwritten practices guiding constitutional behavior.

Authoritative Opinions

Legal interpretations from recognized authorities.

Royal Prerogative

Powers exercised by the monarch without Parliament.

Rule of Law

Principle that law applies equally to all.

Parliamentary Sovereignty

Parliament's authority is supreme over other bodies.

Individual Rights

Rights held by individual citizens.

Collective Rights

Rights held by groups or communities.

Magna Carta (1215)

Bill of Rights (1689)

Established rights for Parliament and citizens.

Act of Settlement (1701)

Regulated succession to the English throne.

Parliaments Acts (1911 and 1949)

Allowed Commons to bypass Lords on legislation.

European Communities Act (1972)

Incorporated EU law into UK law.

Devolution

Transfer of powers from central to regional governments.

Judicial Independence

Judiciary's freedom from external pressures.

Separation of Powers

Division of government responsibilities into distinct branches.

Ultra Vires

Actions beyond the legal power of authorities.

Judicial Review

Court's authority to invalidate unlawful government actions.

Core Executive

Central decision-making body in government.

Cabinet Committee

Group within cabinet focusing on specific issues.

Accountability

Responsibility of government officials to the public.

Scrutiny of Executive

Oversight of government actions by Parliament.