Introduction to Public Law:
Constitution
o Legal, non-legal laws
o Rules that regulate relations
Between main branches of state and
Between state and individual
UK constitution
o Queen – powers head state ceremonial/formal
Grant access legislation approved Houses of Parliament
Appointing PM, other ministers
Granting honours, titles
Head state exercise power advice PM – ‘constitutional
monarchy’
o Government –
PM – head government
‘Convention’ – monarch appoint person won election
Head of state appoints as PM, MP command confidence
Commons
Cabinet – PM, senior ministers. Collective leadership
government
Minister – member either House of Parliament
Government power statute/Common law (prerogative
powers)
o Parliament – Bicameral
Commons – 650 MPs – elected FPTP
Hold government to account
Scrutinise, approve Bills
Debate public policy
Lords – life peer, hereditary peer, Lord Spiritual bishop
Hold government to account