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Edexcel Politics A-level > Uk constitution > Flashcards

Flashcards in Uk constitution Deck (16)
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1
Q

Functions of the constitution

A

Establishes:

  • How institutions relate to each other
  • The civil rights and freedoms of the citizens
  • Who is a citizen and how you can become one
  • Methods by which the constitution can be amended
  • The limits to government overall
  • The main processes of government
2
Q

Magna Carta (date and definition)

A

1215 - Mostly now out of date, but established the principle of rule of law

3
Q

The Glorious Revolution and Bill of Rights

A

1688-89 - Established the sovereignty of Parliament and its supremacy over the monarch

4
Q

Parliament Acts

A

1911 & 1941 - Limited the power of the Lords and established the Commons as superior to the Lords

5
Q

European Communities Act

A

1972 - Brought the UK into the EU; since rescinded

6
Q

Devolution Acts

A

1998 - Power transferred from Westminster to governments in Wales, Scotland and N. I.

7
Q

Human Rights Act

A

1998 - Brought the ECHR into UK law

8
Q

Constitutional Reform Act

A

2005 - The Supreme Court was established, thus confirming independence of the judiciary

9
Q

The UK agrees to leave the EU

A

2017 - Following referendum in 2016, UK began process of repatriating sovereignty

10
Q

Sources of the constitution

A

Parliamentary statutes, constitutional conventions, established principles, common law and historical documents.

11
Q

Salisbury convention

A

The Salisbury Convention is a constitutional convention under which the House of Lords will not oppose the second or third reading of any government legislation promised in its election manifesto.

12
Q

Nature of the UK constitution

A
  • Uncodified
  • Not entrenched
  • Has a variety of sources
  • Highly flexible
  • ## Not supreme
13
Q

8 key principles of the constitution

A
  • Parliamentary sovereignty
  • Royal prerogative
  • Independence of the judiciary
  • Rule of law
  • Fusion of powers
  • Responsible government
  • Executive dominance
  • Devolution
14
Q

Date of the Fixed Term Parliaments Act

A

2011

15
Q

Parliamentary government

A
  • highest source of political authority
  • all members of govt must be drawn from it
  • govt is permanently accountable to Parliament
  • fusion of powers
16
Q

Parliamentary sovereignty

A
  • no individual or body can exercise power unless granted by Parl
  • Parl may delegate powers but can take them back
  • Parl not bound by constitutional rules- each Parl cannot bind future Parls
  • each Parl is not bound by former Parls