UNIT 2: Constitutional conventions

Question 1

What are the four key elements of conventions?

Answer 1

1) conventions are concerned with constitutional matters
2) they operate with a manner supplementary to the law
3)they make those who they affect feel bound by them
4) not created but crystallise over a period of time

Question 2

If there is a conflict between the constitution and the law, what do judges enforce?

Answer 2

the law

Question 3

What are the four things that conventions influence?

Answer 3

1) regulate conventions in parliament (must meet at least once a year, lords must give way to elected commons- salisbury convention)
2) it regulates the relation between UK and its former colonies (uk can’t enforce laws on former colonies, monarch has rep in each state)
3) guides the monarch
4) hold the government to account

Question 4

What is the ministerial code?

Answer 4

-standards, conduct for ministers to follow which is set out by the pm
-it is not legally binding

Question 5

What are the seven principles of public life?

Answer 5

1) selfishness
2) integrity
3) objectivity
4) accountability
5) openness
6) honesty
7) leadership