The UK Constitution evidence/case studies

Question 1

How are the Parliament Acts an important moment for the constitution?

Answer 1

The Parliament Acts reduced the power of the House of Lords by limiting its ability to block legislation, reinforcing the power of the elected House of Commons.

Question 2

What are some key examples of constitutional conventions?

Answer 2

• Westminster will not usually legislate on devolved matters
• HOL will not try to block bills that were outlined in the governing party’s manifesto

Question 3

What was Blair’s constitutional reform on the House of Lords in 1999?

Answer 3

House of Lords Act (1999) - reduced amount of hereditary peers to 92 to attempt to make it more ‘democratic’

Question 4

What was Blair’s constitutional reform in 2005 surrounding the judiciary?

Answer 4

Constitutional Reform Act (2005) - Saw the creation of the UK Supreme Court, taking the power away from the Lords. Enhanced independence of judiciary.

Question 5

What are examples of royal prerogatives?

Answer 5

• Appoint and dismiss ministers
• Summon and prorogue parliament

Question 6

Case studies surrounding rule of law:

Answer 6

Boris Johnson scandal during Covid, demonstrated rule of law in ensuring accountability for corporate and governmental negligence.

Question 7

What was the Treaty of Accession 1972?

Answer 7

UK began to adopt European Community Law

Question 8

What is the Salisbury Convention?

Answer 8

The HoL cannot block legislation outlined in the winning party’s manifesto

Question 9

What was the Human Rights Act (1998) ?

Answer 9

Gave rights to people, incorporated ECHR into UK law and allowed individuals to challenge human rights violations in UK courts

Question 10

What was an example of an electoral reform attempt?

Answer 10

AV referendum 2011 - offered a chance to replace FPTP with the Alternate Vote system. 32.1% turnout, major setback for electoral reform

Question 11

What was the Fixed Term Parliament Act 2011?

Answer 11

Set a five year schedule for general elections, preventing the PM from calling early elections at will. This reduced PM power and intended to create political stability.

Question 12

What are the two major referendums Cameron organised?

Answer 12

• AV referendum 2011
• Brexit referendum 2016

Question 13

Brexit Referendum stats and facts:

Answer 13

• 72% turnout
• 52% voted leave 48% voted remain
• Led to Cameron’s resignation
• Reinforced parliamentary sovereignty with idea of ‘taking back control’

Question 14

AV Referendum stats and facts:

Answer 14

• 42% turnout
• 68% voted no, 32% voted yes
• Showed limited public appetite for electoral reform
• FPTP stays, dominant parties continue to dominate

Question 15

What was the Edinburgh agreement in 2012?

Answer 15

Between Cameron and scottish parliament allowing SNP to call a referendum

Question 16

What was the Wales Act 2017?

Answer 16

They were granted primary legislation power and are now a permanent feature of the UK constitution

Question 17

Who was Andy Burnham and what did he achieve for Greater Manchester?

Answer 17

Metro mayor of Greater Manchester:
- improved local authority’s control over routes and fares of transport
- creation of a £100 million fund to support affordable housing projects
- donating 15% of his salary to homeless charity since 2017

Question 18

What was the Good Friday Agreement 1998?

Answer 18

• stormont must operate under a power sharing agreemen
• principle of consent, a future referendum may be called by the UK home sec when the will of the people reflects this