Paper 1 Flashcards
(184 cards)
Magna Carta (1215)
- Limited the powers of the monarch and established the principle that everyone, including the king, is subject to the law.
- Foundation of the rule of law and early development of civil liberties.
Bill of Rights (1689)
- Asserted parliamentary sovereignty over the monarchy, established regular parliaments, free elections, and freedom of speech in Parliament
- Marked the start of constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy.
Act of Settlement (1701)
- Determined succession to the throne, ensuring only Protestants could be monarch, and increased judicial independence.
- Strengthened parliamentary control over the monarchy and laid groundwork for a politically neutral judiciary.
Acts of Union (1707)
- United the English and Scottish Parliaments to form the Parliament of Great Britain.
- Centralised legislative authority and created a unified political structure under one sovereign parliament.
Parliament Acts (1911 & 1949)
1911 Act: Removed the House of Lords’ power to veto money bills and limited their ability to delay other bills to two years.
1949 Act: Reduced the Lords’ delaying power further to one year.
- Strengthened the authority of the elected House of Commons over the unelected House of Lords.
European Communities Act (1972)
- Brought the UK into the European Economic Community (later EU), giving EU law precedence over UK law.
- Marked a major shift in sovereignty, integrating European and domestic law until Brexit.
Common Law
The system of law formed by the decisions of the judiciary (court judgments). Important principles such as the rule of law and habeas corpus are rooted in common law.
Royal Prerogative
Autonomy held by the monarch, which is often exercised on advice of the Prime Minister or the Cabinet.
Examples include granting honours, signing treaties and declaring war.
Conventions
Unwritten traditions which have guided the operations of the British political system. Examples include cabinet government, parliamentary sovereignty, and the principle of collective responsibility.
Authoritative Works
Books discussing the UK Constitution that have influential status.
Examples include Walter Bagehot’s ‘The English Constitution’ and A.V. Dicey’s ‘Introduction to the Study of the Law of the Constitution’.
EU Laws and Treaties
Prior to Brexit, the European Union laws were a key source of the UK Constitution. These laws and treaties, such as the Maastricht Treaty, had a direct impact on UK law.
International Law
The UK is signatory to a number of international treaties and obligations which effectively represent an aspect of the constitution. Examples include United Nations agreements and the European Convention on Human Rights.
Statute Law
Refers to the Acts of Parliament and how they affect and alter the constitution e.g the Great Reform Act 1832.
Nature of the Constitution
Unentrenched (Flexible), Unitary (Central Government Power), Rule of Law, Uncodified, Parliamentary Sovereignty.
What did the Scotland Act 1998 establish?
The Scotland Act 1998 established the Scottish Parliament and primary legislative powers in health, education, justice, and the ability to vary income tax by 3p to the pound.
What did the Government of Wales Act 1998 establish?
The Government of Wales Act 1998 established the Welsh Assembly, which has secondary legislative powers in specific areas like agriculture, housing, and education.
What was established by the Northern Ireland Act 1998?
The Northern Ireland Act 1998 established the Northern Ireland Assembly, which is headed by two parties at all times as part of the Good Friday Agreement.
What did the Human Rights Act 1998 do?
The Human Rights Act 1998 made the rights outlined in the European Convention on Human Rights part of UK law. This makes it so people can go to court over human rights violations in the uk rather than in Brussels Europe (cheaper and easier).
What was the significance of the House of Lords Act 1999?
The House of Lords Act 1999 removed all but 92 hereditary peers, reducing the size of the House from around 1,300 members to 669.
What did the Local Government Act 2000 aim to do?
The Local Government Act 2000 introduced measures designed to modernise local government structure and promote local democracy.
What is the purpose of the Freedom of Information Act 2000?
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 enhances transparency in the UK Government by granting public access to information held by public authorities.
What did the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 establish?
The Constitutional Reform Act 2005 established the UK’s Supreme Court and further separated judicial and legislative powers, highest court instead of the HoL.
Individual Rights
- Freedom of Expression
- The right to privacy
- The right to press freedom
- The right to demonstrate
- The right to strike in pursuit of pay and rights
Conflicting Collective Rights
- Rights of religious groups not to have their beliefs questioned
- The right of the community to be protected from terrorism by security services which may listen in
- The right of public figures to keep private lives private
- The right of Community to their own freedom of movement
- The right of the community to expect good service from public servants