Definitions

Question 1

What is a constitution

Answer 1

A set of fundamental principles which a state or other organizations is to be governed by

Question 2

What does a constitution ensure

Answer 2

Makes clear the right of citizens

Makes clear the powers and limits of government

Question 3

2nd Amendment in the US

Answer 3

Allows weapons and guns

Question 4

5th Amendment

Answer 4

“I plead the 5th”-the right to not say anything when questioned by a police

Question 5

Uncodiefied

Answer 5

A system of government that does not have a single written document that outlines the fundamental principles and laws of the land.

E.g.the UK has an uncodified constitution as they require flexibility,adaptability rather than rigid laws

Question 6

Codified constitution

Answer 6

A country fundamentals laws are all written down into a single document.
This provides certainty,clarity and a clear framework for the exercise of power

Question 7

Bill of rights 1678

Answer 7

Fundamental documents of British constitutional law;designed to control the power of the monarch and establish certain civil and guarantee the liberties of citizens

Question 8

Acts of union 1801

Answer 8

Legislative agreements uniting Great Britain ( England and Scotland) and Northern Ireland under the name of United Kingdom

Question 9

What are statue laws

Answer 9

Passed by parliament (always have “act” )
Highest legal authority in the uk

Question 10

Common law

Answer 10

Judge made laws, developed through courts and judicial rulings

Question 11

Advantages and disadvantages of common law

Answer 11

Adv - flexible as judicial expertise helps create a nuance (well reasoned) legal principles that can adapt to new circumstances and societal changes in court

Dis - developed by unelected judges rather than elected lawmakers - can lead to concerns about democratic legitimacy ( uncertainty)

Question 12

Landmark decisions

Answer 12

Big common laws that have changed the constitution

Question 13

Advantages and disadvantages of landmark decisions

Answer 13

Adv - protects the rights of minorities against majority rule, ensuring justice for those who may not have the political power to influence legislation-upholding principles of equality

Dis- spark societal backlash if they go against established norms which can trigger resistance against judicial decisions

Question 14

Authoritative works

Answer 14

Texts written by legal scholars that help clarify conventions/rules and principles of governance

Question 15

Advantages and disadvantages of authoratative works

Answer 15

Adv- clarity / guidance -clear explanations of rules that may be unclear due to the UK’s unwritten constitution
( helps judges / public understand how GOV functions )

Dis- although they’re highly respected, not legally binding= uncertainty as they’re not obligated to follow the provided guidance

Question 16

Treaties

Answer 16

Formal agreements between countries / international entities that are legally binding under international law.

Question 17

Advantages and disadvantages of treaties

Answer 17

Adv- promotes international cooperation, facilitating cooperation between nations on shared concerns. Promoting peace and achieve mutual benefits that would be hard to achieve individually

Dis- sovereignty concerns= requires countries to adhere to international standards + conflict w/ domestic laws= uncertainty

Question 18

Freedom of information act 2000

Answer 18

Allowed public to request and reveal information from the GOV that was concealed to ensure that the GOv was concealed as it might expose the MPs for milking the system (2008) scandal

Milking- abusing their own untouchable, supreme position by wasting the GOV’s money on luxurious restaurants and hotels