Constitution

Sovereignty 
UK Constitution

UK Constitution sources

UK Constitution principles




The constitution

This topic is now complete, you should be able to:
  1. Explain the nature and functions of constitutions.
  2. Explain the meaning of codification and entrenchment. 
  3. Describe and explain the sources & the main features of the UK constitution.
  4. Differentiate between unitary and federal constitutions
  5. Analyse the differences between codified and uncodified constitutions
  6. Understand the nature of sovereignty & explain its location in the UK, including changes in its nature and location.
  7. Analyse the impact of the European Union on the UK constitution.
  8. Evaluate the arguments concerning the codification of the UK constitution.
  9. Understand the nature of constitutional reform since 1997. 
  10. Evaluate the effectiveness and impact of constitutional reforms.
  11. Explain and evaluate constitutional reform proposals after 2010.
  12. Compare the strengths and weaknesses of the UK constitution.

25 (source) & 40 mark exam questions
Q     June 2013 - Assess the strengths of the UK constitution. (25)
Q     Jan 2013 – To what extent have constitutional reforms introduced since ‘97 made the UK more democratic? (40)
Q     June 2012 - To what extent have the coalition’s proposals to reform the constitution been controversial? (25)
Q     Jan 2012 – To what extent have constitutional reforms since 1997 reduced the powers of UK gov? (40)
Q     June 2011 –To what extent has the location of sovereignty in the UK changed in recent years? (40)
Q     Jan 2011 – ‘The UK constitution is no longer fit for purpose.’ Discuss. (40)
Q     June 2010 – Make out a case against the adoption of a codified constitution for the UK. (25)
Q     Jan 2010 - ‘The advantages of a codified constitution now outweigh its disadvantages’. Discuss. (40)
Q     June 2009 – ‘Constitutional reform since 1997 has not gone far enough.’ Discuss. (40)

Other possible questions

Short answer questions – just knowledge
Q     Outline two features of a codified constitution.
Q     Distinguish between a unitary and a federal constitution.
Q     What is a constitution?
Q     Outline the role of a constitution.
Q     What is sovereignty?
Q     Distinguish between a codified and an uncodified constitution.

Medium answer – knowledge & a little analysis
Q         Explain three sources of the UK constitution.
Q         Where, in the UK constitutional system is sovereignty located?
Q         How has devolution affected the UK’s unitary constitution?
Q         Explain, using examples, the sources of the UK constitution.
Q         Explain the main features of the UK constitution.

Long answer – a range of points (both sides), analysis & evaluation
Q         How and to what extent does the UK constitution remain undemocratic?
Q         ‘The reform of the British constitution remains unfinished business.’ Explain & discuss
Q         How much have constitutional reforms since 1997 reduced governmental power?
Q         To what extent has the location of sovereignty in the UK changed in recent years?
Q         Why have there been growing calls for a codified constitution in the UK?
Q         Evaluate the arguments in favour of introducing a codified constitution in the UK.
Q         Analyse the importance of conventions within the UK constitution. (A different way of asking for arguments in favour of our flexible constitution)
Q         Why has the UK constitution been criticised?

Q          ‘The UK constitution is no longer fit for purpose.’ Discuss.  (40)

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