The American Constitution emerged from the smoke and gunfire of a revolution' The British Constituti

1

• The American Constitution emerged from the
  smoke and gunfire of a revolution. The British
  Constitution emerged from the mists of time.

2
What is the British Constitution?

• Sources of the UK Constitution

3
Lesson overview

• What are the sources of the UK constitution?
• How does it compare with other countries?
• What are the advantages disadvantages of a
  codified (written) constitution?

4
What are the sources of the constitution?

• Royal prerogatives, e.g declare war
• Statutes Magna Carta of 1215, Bill of Rights,
  1689
• Political conventions, e.g. ministerial
  responsibility
• Common or case law (legal precedents)
• Constitutional experts, e.g. Walter Bagehot,
  Erskine May and A.V Dicey.
• EU laws treaties, e.g. Euro. Court of Justice

Walter Bagehot
5
How is the UK constitution different from other
constitutions?

• Uncodified (Israel NZ)
• Flexible and responsive
• US Constitution amended 26 times since 1791!

Dangers!
Benefits!

• Can adapt to changing political situations
• Less likely to become outdated or unworkable

• Civil rights could be ignored or abolished
• Lack of clarity

6
? Your task

• Read Roberts, p.207-209 and chart the major
  changes in the UK Constitution. Use the weblinks
  on www.igshistoryonline.co.uk to provide
  additional information.