Understanding the UK Constitution: Evolution and Principles

📋 Course Outline

1. Introduction to UK Constitution
2. Sources of UK Constitution
3. Uncodified Constitution
4. Ridley's Criteria for Constitution
5. UK Constitution and Ridley's Criteria

📖 1. Introduction to UK Constitution

🔑 Key Concepts & Definitions

• Constitutional monarchy: UK is a monarchy where the monarch's powers are limited by constitutional rules (AUTHOR (2001): set of rules regulating relations between government parts and people). Since 2022, King Charles III holds this role.
• Parliamentary regime: UK operates with a parliamentary system where the government is accountable to Parliament, not directly to the monarch.
• Bicameral parliament: UK Parliament has two chambers—House of Commons (elected) and House of Lords (non-elected)—sitting at Westminster.
• Brexit: 2016 referendum decision for UK to leave the EU, affecting union and constitutional arrangements, especially in Scotland and Northern Ireland.