Constitution, Union, Devolution Flashcards
What is a constitution?
A shared set of values, recognised and accepted by subjects
Instilled in law and upheld by parliament, courts, and institutions
What kind of constitution does the UK have
An unwritten (uncodified) constitution - does not have a single document that constitutes it
Explains how org. is run, how they are put in charge, how they’re held accountable, sets out law and rights
Name 5 sources of the UK Constitution
Statutes - Acts of Parliament
Case law- judge-made law relating to citizens rights
Conventions - generally accepted principles of govt. enforced by public opinion
International Treaties
Works of theorists - writers about the British political system (treatises)
What are the pros and cons of the unwritten constitution?
Can be amended by elected Parliament of the time
Develops naturally to reflect changing needs and values
Ambiguous - can cause conflict
Human rights - codified would protect from impingement
Executive power
What are the three branches of govt. in the UK political system?
Legislative branch - body that passes laws (Parliament - the House of Commons and Lords with monarchy approval)
Executive Branch (government - prime minister and ministers)
Judicial Branch (courts, judges, law, magistrates, lords)
What are the 4 key principles of the constitution?
Partial Separation of Powers - Govt., Parliament, Judiciary, King
Sovereignty of Parliament - parliament is supreme, representative democracy
Rule of Law - citizens and institutions subject to clearly defined laws, no one is above the law inc. Prime Minister and govt.
Who could you contact about quotes for a story on constitutional change?
Local MPs, Local academics, Local political activists e.g. officers of local party organisations, Vox Pops (youths, elderly)
What is Devolution?
Transferral of powers from central govt. in London (westminster and whitehall) to the nations of the UK - Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
What powers have been devolved to Scotland?
Own govt. and parliament with legislative powers
Administers and legislates health, education, local govr., law and order, social services, roads etc.
Can also vary income tax
Govt. headed by First Minister and Parliament comprised of elected MSPs
Powers can be taken back - power remains in cent.govt. in Westminster
What powers have been devolved to Wales?
Own govt. and assebly with limited legislative and tax varying powers
Responsible for administering health, education, local govt, law and order, roads etc.
Govt. headed by First Minister and Parliament consists of elected AMs every 5 years.
Powers can be taken back - power remains in cent.govt. in Westminster
What are some issues relating to the constitution and devolution?
Policies and laws differ in Uk nations
Absence of England-only parliament
Distribution of public spending (money per head greater in Wales and Scot. than England)
Refutes Parliamentary sovereignty
What kind of democracy is the UK?
Representative - elected MPs represent electorate
Unitary - though arguably becoming more federal, due to devolution of powers
What are reserved powers?
UK Parliament retains control over a range of national affairs despite devolution
- Constitutional Matters (permission for referendums in scot.)
- Defence and national security
- Foreign Polcy
- Immigration
- Economic and Monetary Policy
-Some aspects of transport
