UK Constitution

Question 1

why does a codified constitution protect rights better?

Answer 1

• requires special procedure to change laws

- which undergoes major scrutiny + review

Question 2

why are our rights currently vulnerable?

Answer 2

• rights can be removed through a simple majority vote in parliament
• v.easy to do w/ FPTP as produces large majority govt

Question 3

give an example of high majority govts?

Answer 3

Blair 1997 - 179

Thatcher 1983 - 144

Question 4

give an example of rights being easily removed ?

Answer 4

• magna carta ‘habeas corpus’ 1215

- 2000 terrorism act threw this out the window

Question 5

what do the current constitution being flexible allow?

Answer 5

allows it to be modern and up to date

Question 6

why can the constitution be changed quickly and what does it allow the govt to do?

Answer 6

• due to principle of Parliamentary sovereignty

- allows govt to react quickly in emergency

Question 7

give an example of govt reacting quickly to emergency

Answer 7

• dunblane shooting 1996
• 16 children and 1 teacher killed
• 1997 firearms act banned possession of handguns

Question 8

today is it more important to protect rights better or to be flexible and why?

Answer 8

• remain uncodified to be responsive
• recently low majority govt
• increasing terrorism threat

Question 9

how do a codified constitution provide clarity?

Answer 9

-allows people become more informed on their rights and roles of those in govt

Question 10

how would a codified constitution improve society ?

Answer 10

• public would become more politically educated and aware

Question 11

give an example of a constitution that provides clarity?

Answer 11

• US constitution

- outlines rights Clearly and is easily accessible

Question 12

how would a codified constitution improve democracy?

Answer 12

• ministers would be more accountable as people more informed
• reduce number of misconducts carried out by MPs

Question 13

what is the big question over codifying the constitution?

Answer 13

how would it be done - no need it change it

Question 14

give examples of possible issues needed to be addressed ?

Answer 14

• who would do it?
• how would people vote for it?
• would we leave monarchy in or out?

Question 15

today is it more important to provide clarity rather than the question of how???

Answer 15

-with Brexit approaching seems better to leave constitution uncodified