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1.1 Strengths of the UK Constitution - Coggle Diagram
1.1
Strengths of the UK Constitution
Flexibility
UK Constitution is flexible & adaptable to changing circumstances
EXAMPLES
Human Rights Act 1998 incorporated the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law
has allowed for the protection of human rights to be strengthened over time
devolution of power to Scotland, Wales & NI in late 1990s/early 2000s
demonstrates ability of the UK Constitution to adapt to changing political realities
Protection of Individual Rights
includes a range of protections for individual rights (& minorities)
EXAMPLES
Magna Carta - signed in 1215:
established principle that everyone is subject to the law,
inc. the Monarch
Bill of Rights - passed in 1689:
established principle of parliamentary sovereignty
limits the power of the Monarch
ensures that laws can only be made by Parliament
Human Rights Act - passed in 1998, enacted in 2000:
protects individual rights (inc. right to fair trial, freedom of expression, protection against discrimination, etc.)
Separation of Powers
UK doesn't have separation of powers,
BUT
does have a system of checks and balances between the executive, legislative & judicial branches
EXAMPLES
House of Commons holds government to account through question time and debates
House of Lords provides a check on the power(s) of the Commons
judiciary is also independent of the executive and legislature - ensures that the rule of law is upheld
Evolutionary Nature
evolutionary = Constitution has developed over time > being created in a single moment
evolutionary nature has allowed Constitution:
to be adapted to changing circumstances
to reflect values & beliefs of society
EXAMPLES
Equality Act 2010 - protects people from discrimination on the basis of protected characteristics
reflects changing attitudes of society towards equality & diversity
constitutional reforms of late 1990s/early 2000s (inc. devolution & creation of SC) - demonstrate ability of the Constitution to evolve over time