A Level Politics Paper.

Constitution - A document which spells out the principles by which a government runs and the fundamental laws that govern a society. Hereditary Peers - Members of the aristocracy who owe their title to their birth. Devolution - The division of powers among regions of the country. Codified constitution - A single authoritative document that sets out the laws, rules and principles by which a state is governed, and which protects the rights of citizens. Parliamentary Sovereignty - a principle establishing parliament as the supreme legal authority whose laws cannot be overturned by any other government branch Referendum - A vote held among the electorate at national, regional or local level to resolve an important issue. Quasi-federalism - A system of devolution where it is unlikely or difficult for powers to be returned to government, that it is a federal system. Constitutional Convention - An unwritten rule that is considered binding even though it is not part of the law. Independence of the Judiciary - The constitutional principle that the judges should be independent from pressure by politicians. Entrenchment - The process by which the constitution is protected by short term amendment. Electoral System - The mechanism by which votes at elections are converted into seats awarded to candidates and parties. seperation of powers - The constitution agreement whereby the three branches of government - legislature, executive and judiciary - have separate powers and can control each others powers. Federalism - Divides sovereignty, or ultimate power between central government and regional governments. Why does the UK need a constitution? - - It protects the rights and civil liberties of the population - It sets up institutions to interpret the laws and punish those who do not follow them - It establishes that the government has to follow rules too, making sure it is not abusing its power. - It sets up institutions to enforce the laws - It states the functions and powers of the government - It sets up institutions that pass laws - It makes sure the government provides certain things for the people - It states how parts of the government should work together - It states roles and duties of those in government - It establishes how government is appointed. Functions of a Constitution LIMITS OF GOVERNMENT POWER - Outlines what the limits of government power should be. In the UK, there is no limit placed on parliament, as it is sovereign. Functions of a Constitution