Understanding UK Constitutional Principles

Revision sheet excerpt

Course Outline

  1. Branches of Power
  2. Principles of the Constitution
  3. Sources of the Constitution
  4. Checks and Balances
  5. Constitutional Reforms

1. Branches of Power

Key Concepts & Definitions

  • Legislative power : The legislative power is the function that makes laws through Parliament.
  • Executive power : The executive power is the function that runs government decision-making and administration.
  • Judiciary power : The judiciary power is the function that settles disputes through courts of justice.
  • Parliament : Parliament is the institution combining the House of Commons and the House of Lords, acting with the Monarch for legislation.

Essential Points

  • In the UK, Parliament is made of the House of Commons plus the House of Lords together with the Monarch.
  • The executive side includes Government, the Cabinet, and the Prime Minister.
  • Courts provide judicial power, and there are Supreme Courts with 12 Justices (2009).

Memory Hook

Legislature makes laws (Parliament), executive runs the country (Government/Cabinet/PM), judiciary settles disputes (courts).

2. Principles of the Constitution

Key Concepts & Definitions

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Quiz preview

1. Which branch of power is responsible for making laws through Parliament?

2. Which institutions make up Parliament in the UK's legislative branch?

3. What does the principle of the Rule of Law mean?

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Flashcards preview

Branches of Power — roles?

Legislative makes laws, executive runs government, judiciary settles disputes.

Principles — sovereignty?

Parliament is the supreme law-making authority.

Sources — main types?

Statute law, common law, conventions, EU law.

Checks and Balances — purpose?

Prevent executive domination, no checks on Parliament.

Constitutional Reforms — example?

Human Rights Act 1998, devolution, Fixed-Term Parliament Act.

Parliament — components?

House of Commons, House of Lords, Monarch.

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The revision sheet covers the essential concepts of Understanding UK Constitutional Principles. It is organized by topic to facilitate learning and memorization, with key definitions, explanations and summaries.

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The quiz contains 10 multiple-choice questions with detailed corrections and explanations for each answer. Ideal for testing your knowledge and identifying gaps.

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