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Questions and Answers
What is a key characteristic of the British constitution?
What is a key characteristic of the British constitution?
Which entity is formally recognized as the head of state?
Which entity is formally recognized as the head of state?
Which of the following is NOT considered a component of the state in the context of the constitution?
Which of the following is NOT considered a component of the state in the context of the constitution?
What is one of the functions of the government as outlined in the context of the constitution?
What is one of the functions of the government as outlined in the context of the constitution?
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Which of the following best describes the nature of the British constitution?
Which of the following best describes the nature of the British constitution?
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What is one of the main functions of the House of Commons?
What is one of the main functions of the House of Commons?
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Which entity is responsible for interpreting legislation?
Which entity is responsible for interpreting legislation?
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What is a key feature of the rule of law?
What is a key feature of the rule of law?
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Which of the following is a function of the House of Lords?
Which of the following is a function of the House of Lords?
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Who is the head of the judiciary?
Who is the head of the judiciary?
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What does the House of Commons do regarding individual ministers?
What does the House of Commons do regarding individual ministers?
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Which group among citizens enjoys fundamental rights and freedoms?
Which group among citizens enjoys fundamental rights and freedoms?
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Which of the following describes constitutional law based on natural law?
Which of the following describes constitutional law based on natural law?
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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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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.
