Constitution

define the UK constitution

a set of rules governing the state and protecting members of it by limiting exercising powers

defines and sets relationships between institutions within the state

what forms can a constitution take?

Codified: written in a legally binding document, most important rules

Uncodified: no document, rules found in various places

What are the sources of the constitution?

Conventions: practices and understandings of the sovereign which aren’t legally governed

International Law: through treaties

Common law: set by judiciary from case law

Acts of Parliament

What are the core principles of the constitution?

Parliament sovereignty

Accountability

Separation of Powers

The Rule of Law

Name some institutions in the UK constitution

The Houses of Parliament: bicameral legislatures, House of Lords/house of commons

The executive: central gov ministers, form policies, implement law, foreign affairs

The Judiciary: make common law from case law, hold parliament + executive to account