British Constitution and the Judiciary
Sources of the British Constitution
Conventions
These are customs and political habits which have developed over a number of years and have became accepted practice.
Legislation
Although the constitution is unwritten, some parts are written down in acts of parliament
Common Law
This is ancient rules and customs now seen as accepted common practice.
Classic Writings on the Constitution
Opinions expressed in such works do not have the force of law, but are used by judges in particularly difficult cases.
Treaties and laws of the EU
these now form part of the British constitution, because EU law takers precedence over British Law, where there is conflict between the two.
Provisions
Parliamentary Sovereignty
Parliament can make/ unmake any law it likes, no other body can make laws without parliament's permission.
The Unitary State
All political authority resides with the central government at Westminster
The Rule of Law
The government must act within law; citizens can seek redress through the courts, if they believe the government has acted beyond its powers; in return citizens must obey the laws passed by parliament.
Parliamentary government with a constitutional monarchy
The Queen is head of state, she heads both parliament and the government, but she has no political power, the PM is appointed by the Queen, but by convention, she must choose the leader of the largest party after an election.