John Laws Political Power Flashcards
What does John Laws highlight about the need for limits on political power?
John Laws highlights the need for limits on political power to safeguard basic rights and uphold democracy, particularly within the framework of an unwritten constitution.
How does John Laws describe the nature of the unwritten constitution?
Laws describes the unwritten constitution as dynamic, emphasizing that it evolves through a dynamic settlement acceptable to the people, rather than relying on a singular sovereign text.
According to John Laws, how should the distinctions between judicial and elective power be analyzed?
Laws argues that true distinctions between judicial and elective power cannot be fully understood through mere observation of actions by judges and government bodies; instead, they must be analyzed through the logical structure of the unwritten constitution.
How is the distribution of state power managed, according to John Laws?
According to Laws, the distribution of state power is managed through a dynamic settlement among the legal organs of government, a process that is distinct from, but related to, political realities.
What is John Laws’ view on the doctrine of Parliamentary sovereignty?
Laws asserts that the doctrine of Parliamentary sovereignty is not merely a product of legislation but is supported and limited by a higher-order law that reflects broader principles necessary for a free society.
What does John Laws emphasize about the premise of elective government?
Laws emphasizes that the premise of elective government—where the electorate consists of free individuals—requires these higher-order legal principles to be respected by all elected officials.
