UK Constitution and Democracy Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What does the principle of parliamentary sovereignty imply in the UK?

Judicial review is a fundamental part of parliamentary sovereignty.

Parliament cannot be overruled by other governmental bodies. (correct)

Parliament's power is limited by regional governments.

Parliament has equal power with the monarchy.

What are the two important recent changes to Britain's democratic regime?

Formation of political parties and the introduction of the constitution.

The introduction of a federal system and creation of regional governments.

Creation of the Magna Carta and establishment of the monarchy.

Devolution of power and establishment of an independent supreme court. (correct)

What distinguishes a unitary system with devolution from a federal system?

In unitary systems, national governments can reclaim devolved powers. (correct)

Federal systems centralize power more effectively than unitary systems.

Federal systems do not allow for regional governments to exist.

Unitary systems give regional power constitutional protection.

What was the role of law lords before the creation of the Supreme Court in 2005?

They served as the final court of appeal in the UK. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Supreme Court in the UK protect citizens' rights?

By overturning executive actions that violate rights. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes devolution in Scotland and Wales?

It transferred certain powers from the British Parliament. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant issue in Northern Ireland regarding its relationship with the UK?

The Catholic minority sought to join the Republic of Ireland. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of judicial power does the Supreme Court lack in the UK?

The authority to reverse parliament's acts. Signup and view all the answers

What authority was established for the northern ireland assembly after the 1998 agreement?

The authority to make policy over regional issues Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the 2014 Scottish independence referendum?

The referendum failed to achieve independence for Scotland Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Scottish voters supported remaining in the EU during the 2016 Brexit referendum?

62% Signup and view all the answers

What event in 2016 prompted a significant political shift in the UK regarding EU membership?

The Brexit referendum Signup and view all the answers

What major political consequence followed the 2016 Brexit referendum?

Resignation of the Prime Minister Signup and view all the answers

Which issue contributed to the division over Brexit among voters?

Perceived high rates of immigration Signup and view all the answers

What was a major outcome of Boris Johnson's negotiations regarding Brexit?

The UK officially left the EU in 2020 Signup and view all the answers

How did Brexit impact the UK’s political system?

It caused significant disruption within both major parties Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

UK Constitution

The UK constitution is comprised of documents like the Magna Carta, laws passed by Parliament, and unwritten traditions.
Parliamentary sovereignty is the principle that Parliament’s power is supreme.
Civil rights and liberties are protected, as they have existed for a long time.

Recent Changes to UK Democracy

Devolution of power from the central government to regional governments.
Creation of the Independent Supreme Court in 2005.
Supreme Court can overturn executive and administrative actions that violate citizens’ rights.

Unitary System with Devolution

The UK has a unitary system where all power is held by the national government.
In 1997, the British Parliament devolved some policy areas to Scotland and Wales.
Northern Ireland gained devolved powers in 1998.
The Scottish National Party seeks Scottish independence.
Scotland held a referendum on independence in 2014, which failed.
Brexit strengthened the independence movement.

Legitimacy and Challenges to the State

The UK held a referendum on continued membership in the EU in 1975, and voted to remain.
In 2016, the UK held a referendum on leaving the EU, and voted to leave.
The Brexit referendum led to the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron.
Brexit challenges Britain’s political system and the possible secession of Scotland.
The UK left the EU in 2020.
Immigration policy is a divisive issue in the UK.

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Description

Test your knowledge about the UK Constitution, including its historical documents and recent changes to democracy, such as devolution and the establishment of the Independent Supreme Court. Explore how these elements interact within the unitary system and their implications for civil rights.