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17
3
issy
14/11/2022
Citizenship
the British constitution
610
•
14 Nov 2022
•
Understanding the British Constitution: Written or Unwritten?
issy
@issy.studies
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Key Components of the British Constitution
The British constitution encompasses more than just the core governmental institutions. It also includes the roles of citizens, the civil service, the judiciary, and the police, all of which contribute to the unique British system of government.
Citizens play a crucial role in the democratic process by electing Members of Parliament (MPs) to determine the government through voting. They can also participate in referendums, such as the 2016 vote on leaving the European Union.
Example: The 2016 Brexit referendum is a prime example of direct citizen participation in major constitutional decisions.
The civil service is an essential component of the government machinery. Civil servants are employed to carry out government policies and advise ministers. They operate based on three core principles:
- Impartiality: Civil servants serve the Crown, not a specific government.
- Anonymity: They should not be identified with specific policies.
- Permanence: They remain in their posts when governments change.
Highlight: The civil service's impartiality and permanence ensure continuity and stability in government operations across different administrations.
The judiciary, comprising senior judges, is separate from the government and its members are politically impartial. This separation is part of the concept of the separation of powers, where the monarchy, legislature, and judiciary are distinct and independent.
Definition: The separation of powers is a principle where governmental authority is divided between independent branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
Lastly, the police force in the UK is organized into regional forces. They are unarmed and responsible for preventing crime, enforcing the law, arresting suspects, and gathering evidence.
Highlight: The unarmed nature of British police is a distinctive feature of the UK's approach to law enforcement.
These various components work together to form the comprehensive and nuanced system of governance that characterizes the British constitution.
The Institutions of the British Constitution
The British constitution is a complex system comprising various institutions that work together to govern the United Kingdom. Unlike many other countries, the UK constitution is unwritten and uncodified, which gives it a unique character and flexibility.
Definition: An unwritten constitution means there is no single document called the British constitution. Instead, it consists of constitutional laws and conventions.
The power of government in the UK is vested in several key institutions:
- The Government: This body makes, proposes, and carries out policies and laws.
- The Prime Minister and Cabinet: The Prime Minister leads the government and is usually the head of the largest party in the House of Commons. The Cabinet consists of senior ministers appointed by the Prime Minister.
Highlight: The Prime Minister is the head of the government and plays a crucial role in shaping national policy.
- Parliament: This institution holds sovereign power in the UK political system.
Definition: Parliamentary sovereignty means that only Parliament can pass laws in the UK, and only Parliament can change or repeal them.
-
The Legislature: Another name for Parliament, it consists of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The Scottish Parliament also has some legislative powers for Scottish matters.
-
The Opposition: This is the title given to the largest party not in government, currently the Labour Party.
-
Political Parties: These are groups of people who share common ideologies and political beliefs, aiming to win elections to implement their ideas.
-
The Monarch: As the head of state, the monarch signs every new act of Parliament into law and could theoretically refuse them.
Highlight: The UK has a constitutional monarchy, meaning the monarch's role is largely ceremonial and operates within the constraints of the constitution.
These institutions form the backbone of the UK government structure, each playing a vital role in the functioning of the British political system.
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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
Understanding the British Constitution: Written or Unwritten?
issy
@issy.studies
The British constitution is a complex system of governance that encompasses various institutions and principles. It is unique in being unwritten and uncodified, allowing for flexibility but also potential ambiguity. Key components include the power of government, parliamentary sovereignty,... Show more
Key Components of the British Constitution
The British constitution encompasses more than just the core governmental institutions. It also includes the roles of citizens, the civil service, the judiciary, and the police, all of which contribute to the unique British system of government.
Citizens play a crucial role in the democratic process by electing Members of Parliament (MPs) to determine the government through voting. They can also participate in referendums, such as the 2016 vote on leaving the European Union.
Example: The 2016 Brexit referendum is a prime example of direct citizen participation in major constitutional decisions.
The civil service is an essential component of the government machinery. Civil servants are employed to carry out government policies and advise ministers. They operate based on three core principles:
- Impartiality: Civil servants serve the Crown, not a specific government.
- Anonymity: They should not be identified with specific policies.
- Permanence: They remain in their posts when governments change.
Highlight: The civil service's impartiality and permanence ensure continuity and stability in government operations across different administrations.
The judiciary, comprising senior judges, is separate from the government and its members are politically impartial. This separation is part of the concept of the separation of powers, where the monarchy, legislature, and judiciary are distinct and independent.
Definition: The separation of powers is a principle where governmental authority is divided between independent branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
Lastly, the police force in the UK is organized into regional forces. They are unarmed and responsible for preventing crime, enforcing the law, arresting suspects, and gathering evidence.
Highlight: The unarmed nature of British police is a distinctive feature of the UK's approach to law enforcement.
These various components work together to form the comprehensive and nuanced system of governance that characterizes the British constitution.
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
The Institutions of the British Constitution
The British constitution is a complex system comprising various institutions that work together to govern the United Kingdom. Unlike many other countries, the UK constitution is unwritten and uncodified, which gives it a unique character and flexibility.
Definition: An unwritten constitution means there is no single document called the British constitution. Instead, it consists of constitutional laws and conventions.
The power of government in the UK is vested in several key institutions:
- The Government: This body makes, proposes, and carries out policies and laws.
- The Prime Minister and Cabinet: The Prime Minister leads the government and is usually the head of the largest party in the House of Commons. The Cabinet consists of senior ministers appointed by the Prime Minister.
Highlight: The Prime Minister is the head of the government and plays a crucial role in shaping national policy.
- Parliament: This institution holds sovereign power in the UK political system.
Definition: Parliamentary sovereignty means that only Parliament can pass laws in the UK, and only Parliament can change or repeal them.
-
The Legislature: Another name for Parliament, it consists of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The Scottish Parliament also has some legislative powers for Scottish matters.
-
The Opposition: This is the title given to the largest party not in government, currently the Labour Party.
-
Political Parties: These are groups of people who share common ideologies and political beliefs, aiming to win elections to implement their ideas.
-
The Monarch: As the head of state, the monarch signs every new act of Parliament into law and could theoretically refuse them.
Highlight: The UK has a constitutional monarchy, meaning the monarch's role is largely ceremonial and operates within the constraints of the constitution.
These institutions form the backbone of the UK government structure, each playing a vital role in the functioning of the British political system.
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.
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
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