Public Law and State Structure
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Questions and Answers

What is a key characteristic of the British constitution?

  • Written
  • Flexible (correct)
  • Rigid
  • Federal

    • Which entity is formally recognized as the head of state?

  • Lord Chancellor
  • Monarch (correct)
  • Parliament
  • Prime Minister

    • Which of the following is NOT considered a component of the state in the context of the constitution?

  • Citizens
  • Media (correct)
  • Parliament
  • Government

    • What is one of the functions of the government as outlined in the context of the constitution?

    <p>Formulate policy based on the manifesto (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the nature of the British constitution?

    <p>Both written and unwritten (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the main functions of the House of Commons?

    <p>Scrutinising government actions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which entity is responsible for interpreting legislation?

    <p>Judiciary (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key feature of the rule of law?

    <p>Absolute supremacy of regular law (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a function of the House of Lords?

    <p>Checking on the government (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is the head of the judiciary?

    <p>Lord chief justice (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the House of Commons do regarding individual ministers?

    <p>Hold them accountable (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which group among citizens enjoys fundamental rights and freedoms?

    <p>All citizens equally (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes constitutional law based on natural law?

    <p>It is based on unwritten principles. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    The Law of the Constitution

    The fundamental law of a state, setting out the structure and functions of its institutions and the relationship between the state and individuals.

    The Monarch

    A monarch is the formal head of state, representing the country and its symbols. The monarch's role is ceremonial and symbolic.

    The Government

    The government is the executive branch responsible for formulating and enacting policies. It includes the Prime Minister, cabinet, departments, and civil servants.

    Parliament

    Parliament is the legislative branch responsible for making laws. It consists of an elected body that debates and votes on legislation.

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    The Courts

    The judiciary is the branch responsible for interpreting and applying the law. Courts are responsible for resolving legal disputes and ensuring that laws are applied fairly.

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    What is Parliament?

    The highest legislative body in the UK, composed of the Crown, House of Commons, and House of Lords.

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    What is the House of Commons?

    The elected representatives of the people, they debate, scrutinize the government, and make laws.

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    What is the role of the House of Lords?

    They act as a check on the government, debating legislation and scrutinizing the executive branch.

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    What is the Judiciary?

    The branch of government responsible for interpreting and applying the law, including the courts, Lord Chief Justice, Lord Chancellor, and Attorney General.

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    What is the rule of law?

    The overall principle that everyone is subject to the law, treating all equals before the law.

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    What are constitutional doctrines?

    They are not legally binding but represent basic values and principles governing state actions.

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    What are civic/constitutional duties?

    Duties citizens have, such as obeying laws, paying taxes, and participating in elections.

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    What are civic/constitutional rights?

    Rights citizens have, such as freedom of speech, right to vote, and right to a fair trial.

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    Study Notes

    Public Law

    • Public law is the most important legislation in a state, outlining the structure and functions of state institutions.
    • It typically defines the relationship between the state and individual citizens.
    • The British constitution is an example of an unwritten one (though often referred to as being written).
    • Key characteristics of the British constitution include being unwritten, monarchical, flexible, and unitary.

    What Comprises the State?

    • The state is comprised of the monarch, government (executive), and parliament (legislative).

    The Monarch

    • The monarch acts as the formal head of state, in addition to being the head of devolved governments, armed forces, and the Church of England.
    • The monarch is immune from prosecution and is subject to democratic accountability.

    The Government

    • The government is headed by the Prime Minister.
    • It includes the Cabinet and various government departments.
    • Civil servants (politically impartial) within the government support policy formulation, initiate and introduce legislation to parliament.

    Parliament

    • Parliament is comprised of the Crown, House of Commons, and House of Lords..
    • Key functions include making legislation, debate, and oversight of government actions.

    House of Commons

    • Scrutinizes government actions.
    • Holds the government and individual ministers accountable.
    • Allows members of parliament to represent their constituents.
    • Responsible for making laws.

    House of Lords

    • Debates legislation proposed by the House of Commons.
    • Oversees the government.

    The Judiciary

    • The Judiciary comprises the courts, with the Lord Chief Justice as head.
    • Other key figures include the Lord Chancellor and Attorney General.
    • They interpret legislation and make law.
    • They also provide checks against both Parliament and the executive.

    Citizens

    • Citizens have civic and constitutional duties and rights.
    • They enjoy fundamental rights and freedoms.

    The Rule of Law

    • The rule of law is a key principle in the British constitution.
    • It embodies the supremacy of laws, avoiding arbitrary power, and ensuring equality before the law.
    • Constitutional law is rooted in natural law principles and provides unwritten but important guidelines for state actions.

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    Related Documents

    The Law of the Constitution PDF

    Description

    Explore the key concepts of public law and the structure of the state, including the roles of the monarch, government, and parliament. Understand the characteristics of the British constitution and the relationship between the state and its citizens.

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