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Amy McLaughlin
07/12/2025
Politics
Constitutions 20marker
104
•
7 Dec 2025
•
Understanding Constitutions: 20 Marker Answer Guide
Amy McLaughlin
@amymclaughlin_22
1 / 3
Constitutional Structure: Flexible vs Rigid
The UK and US have completely opposite approaches to their constitutions, and this shapes everything about how they govern. The UK's uncodified constitution isn't a single document but rather a collection of laws, conventions, and traditions that have evolved over centuries. Because Britain never experienced a full revolution or had to fight for independence like other nations, there was never a moment when everything needed to be written down from scratch.
The US constitution, however, is a single, written document created in 1789 after the colonies won independence from Britain. This codified constitution sets clear, rigid rules that are incredibly difficult to change. Whilst the UK can adapt quickly to new situations, the US system deliberately makes change slow and challenging.
This difference becomes crystal clear when looking at gun laws. After the Dunblane school shooting in 1996, the UK government banned handguns within a year. Meanwhile, despite numerous tragedies like Sandy Hook in 2012, the US government couldn't tighten gun controls because the Second Amendment protects the right to "keep and bear arms."
Quick Check: The UK's flexibility allows rapid legal changes, whilst the US system prioritises protecting individual rights over quick government action.
Separation of Powers: Merged vs Divided
Here's where things get really interesting - the US constitution creates a strict separation of powers between three branches of government, whilst the UK deliberately blurs these lines. In America, you cannot be a member of more than one branch simultaneously, creating built-in checks and balances.
The UK works completely differently. The Prime Minister and cabinet are also MPs, meaning the executive and legislative branches overlap significantly. This fusion of powers means that when a party has a large majority in the House of Commons, like Boris Johnson's Conservative government, they face fewer defeats and can push through policies more easily.
The US system's rigid separation recently showed its power when the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs Wade in 2020. Despite President Biden calling it a "tragic error," he was constitutionally powerless to reverse the decision because each branch operates independently.
This difference means the US constitution heavily influences daily politics through its checks and balances, whilst the UK constitution provides less restriction on government power, especially with large parliamentary majorities.
Reality Check: The UK system can act faster but with fewer safeguards, whilst the US system moves slower but with more protection against government overreach.
Power Distribution: Unitary vs Federal
The final major difference lies in how power spreads across each country. The UK operates a unitary system where all authority flows from Westminster Parliament - it's the only true source of legal and political power. Even the Scottish Parliament or Welsh Assembly only exist because Westminster allows them to.
This was clearly demonstrated in January 2023 when the UK government used Section 35 of the Scotland Act to block Scotland's Gender Recognition Reform Bill, despite it passing democratically in the Scottish Parliament. Westminster intervened because they claimed it could affect "reserved matters."
The US constitution establishes federalism - a system of dual sovereignty between individual states and federal government. States enjoy genuine constitutional independence in their areas of responsibility. This is why states like Colorado and California can legalise recreational marijuana even though it remains illegal under federal law.
The federal government simply cannot interfere with state-prosecuted crimes in these cases. This constitutional independence gives US states far greater autonomy than UK devolved administrations, which exist only at Westminster's discretion.
Key Insight: US states have constitutional protection for their powers, whilst UK devolved governments rely on Westminster's continued permission to operate.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Constitutions: 20 Marker Answer Guide
Amy McLaughlin
@amymclaughlin_22
Ever wondered why the UK and US governments work so differently despite sharing similar democratic values? The answer lies in their constitutions - the fundamental rules that shape how each country operates. Understanding these differences will help you grasp why... Show more
Constitutional Structure: Flexible vs Rigid
The UK and US have completely opposite approaches to their constitutions, and this shapes everything about how they govern. The UK's uncodified constitution isn't a single document but rather a collection of laws, conventions, and traditions that have evolved over centuries. Because Britain never experienced a full revolution or had to fight for independence like other nations, there was never a moment when everything needed to be written down from scratch.
The US constitution, however, is a single, written document created in 1789 after the colonies won independence from Britain. This codified constitution sets clear, rigid rules that are incredibly difficult to change. Whilst the UK can adapt quickly to new situations, the US system deliberately makes change slow and challenging.
This difference becomes crystal clear when looking at gun laws. After the Dunblane school shooting in 1996, the UK government banned handguns within a year. Meanwhile, despite numerous tragedies like Sandy Hook in 2012, the US government couldn't tighten gun controls because the Second Amendment protects the right to "keep and bear arms."
Quick Check: The UK's flexibility allows rapid legal changes, whilst the US system prioritises protecting individual rights over quick government action.
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Separation of Powers: Merged vs Divided
Here's where things get really interesting - the US constitution creates a strict separation of powers between three branches of government, whilst the UK deliberately blurs these lines. In America, you cannot be a member of more than one branch simultaneously, creating built-in checks and balances.
The UK works completely differently. The Prime Minister and cabinet are also MPs, meaning the executive and legislative branches overlap significantly. This fusion of powers means that when a party has a large majority in the House of Commons, like Boris Johnson's Conservative government, they face fewer defeats and can push through policies more easily.
The US system's rigid separation recently showed its power when the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs Wade in 2020. Despite President Biden calling it a "tragic error," he was constitutionally powerless to reverse the decision because each branch operates independently.
This difference means the US constitution heavily influences daily politics through its checks and balances, whilst the UK constitution provides less restriction on government power, especially with large parliamentary majorities.
Reality Check: The UK system can act faster but with fewer safeguards, whilst the US system moves slower but with more protection against government overreach.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Power Distribution: Unitary vs Federal
The final major difference lies in how power spreads across each country. The UK operates a unitary system where all authority flows from Westminster Parliament - it's the only true source of legal and political power. Even the Scottish Parliament or Welsh Assembly only exist because Westminster allows them to.
This was clearly demonstrated in January 2023 when the UK government used Section 35 of the Scotland Act to block Scotland's Gender Recognition Reform Bill, despite it passing democratically in the Scottish Parliament. Westminster intervened because they claimed it could affect "reserved matters."
The US constitution establishes federalism - a system of dual sovereignty between individual states and federal government. States enjoy genuine constitutional independence in their areas of responsibility. This is why states like Colorado and California can legalise recreational marijuana even though it remains illegal under federal law.
The federal government simply cannot interfere with state-prosecuted crimes in these cases. This constitutional independence gives US states far greater autonomy than UK devolved administrations, which exist only at Westminster's discretion.
Key Insight: US states have constitutional protection for their powers, whilst UK devolved governments rely on Westminster's continued permission to operate.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Jurisprudence
Most popular content in Politics
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user