What is British Law based on?
Judicial precedents, statutes, custom and convention.
Which countries does British Law govern?
England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
What are the main pillars of governance in the United Kingdom?
Law, Constitution, Monarchy, Parliament and Executive.
What is a key characteristic of British law regarding its constitution?
It has an unwritten constitution.
What principle describes the supreme authority of Parliament in British law?
Parliamentary sovereignty.
Which principle ensures laws apply equally under British law?
The rule of law.
What separation exists in British law among government branches?
Separation of powers between legislative, executive and judiciary.
What disputes does private law primarily address?
Disputes between individuals or organizations.
Which areas does private law cover?
Contracts, torts, family matters, property, and commerce.
What issues does public law deal with?
Issues between the state and individuals.
Which branches are included in public law?
Constitutional, administrative, and criminal law.
What are the main sources of British law?
Common law, statute law, pre-Brexit EU law, custom and convention, case law, and equity law principles.
What does the rule of law mean about leaders and officials?
They are subject to the law like everyone else.
Which principle ensures everyone is treated equally under the law?
Equality before the law.
What is the main legislative institution in Britain?
Parliament.
Which courts are part of the British Judiciary?
Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and High Court.
What is the British Constitution composed of?
Statutes, legal conventions, judicial decisions, and treaties.
What three features characterize the British Constitution?
It is uncodified, not entrenched, and unitary.
How can constitutional laws be changed under the British Constitution?
They can be altered like ordinary laws.
Where is power concentrated in the British Constitution?
In Parliament.
In which year was the Magna Carta signed?
1215
What did the Magna Carta restrict about the monarch?
It restricted the monarch's power.
In which year was the Petition of Right presented?
1628
What did the Petition of Right demand regarding taxation?
No taxation without parliamentary consent.
In which year was the Bill of Rights enacted?
1689
What form of government did the Bill of Rights create?
A constitutional monarchy.
Which sources include statutes and case law in the British Constitution?
The sources of the British Constitution.
What are the three strands of the rule of law identified in the course?
Accountability, clarity, and predictability.
What defines a constitutional monarchy?
The monarch is head of state while Parliament holds legislative power.
Which duties does the monarch perform constitutionally and representationally?
Formally opening Parliament, granting Royal Assent, and appointing the Prime Minister.
What powers are included in the royal prerogative?
Appointing ministers, regulating civil service, issuing passports, declaring war, directing military, and making treaties.
What four factors determine succession to the British throne?
Descent, sex, legitimacy, and religion.
Which laws restrict succession to Protestant descendants of Sophia of Hanover?
The Bill of Rights 1689 and Act of Settlement 1701.
What religious condition must heirs meet under the Bill of Rights 1689 and Act of Settlement 1701?
They must be in communion with the Church of England.
Who becomes regent if the sovereign is under 18 or incapacitated under the Regency Act 1937?
The first person in line over 21, or over 18 if heir apparent, domiciled in the UK.
What age must the regent be under the Regency Act 1937 if the heir apparent?
Over 18 years old.
Who appoints the Prime Minister in the UK?
The monarch.
On whose advice does the monarch act in political matters?
The Prime Minister's advice.
What criterion guides the monarch's appointment of the Prime Minister?
The person most likely to command the House of Commons' confidence.
In which year was the Human Rights Act enacted?
1998
What did the Human Rights Act incorporate into British law?
The European Convention on Human Rights
In which year was the Equality Act enacted?
2010
What did the Equality Act consolidate and strengthen?
Anti-discrimination legislation
What does the British Constitution ensure?
Separation of powers, parliamentary sovereignty, and the rule of law.
On what does the British Constitution rely heavily?
Precedent and political customs.
When did the Acts of Union unite England and Scotland?
1707
What did the Acts of Union create with one Parliament at Westminster?
A unitary state.
What legal case established limits on executive power in 1765?
Entick v Carrington.
Which court ruled Boris Johnson’s prorogation of Parliament unlawful in 2019?
The UK Supreme Court.
What does the monarchy symbolize during crises?
National identity, unity, continuity, stability, and British values.
In which year was the Act of Settlement enacted?
1701
What legal framework does the Act of Settlement form part of?
The framework restricting succession to the throne
Answer 25 questions on British Institutions and Constitutional Law.
1. Regarding British Law, which of the following statements are correct?
2. The main pillars of governance in the United Kingdom include:
Go over the full study guide for British Institutions and Constitutional Law.
Read the study guide →Upload your class notes and Revizly writes your flashcards in about a minute.
Flashcard maker