starter activity

Government without constitution is power without right. Thomas Paine, The Rights of Man, 1795. Copy this quote into your notes. How true is this today? Can you think of any examples to support your judgement?

What are the What are the sources of the sources of the

UK Constitution?UK Constitution?To identify the sources of the To identify the sources of the

UK constitutionUK constitutionAims

Your taskYour task

Read Roberts p.205-6 or Watts, Read Roberts p.205-6 or Watts, pp.154-6. Draw a tree and on each pp.154-6. Draw a tree and on each branch list and explain the different branch list and explain the different sources of the UK constitution.sources of the UK constitution.

What are the sources of the What are the sources of the constitution?constitution?

Royal Royal prerogativesprerogatives, e.g , e.g declare wardeclare war

StatutesStatutes; ; Magna CartaMagna Carta of of 1215, 1215, Bill of RightsBill of Rights, 1689, 1689

Political Political conventionsconventions, e.g. , e.g. ministerial responsibilityministerial responsibility

Common or case lawCommon or case law Constitutional experts, Constitutional experts,

e.g. Walter Bagehot, e.g. Walter Bagehot, Erskine May and A.V Erskine May and A.V Dicey. Dicey.

EU laws & treaties, e.g. EU laws & treaties, e.g. Euro. Court of JusticeEuro. Court of Justice

Walter Bagehot

Your taskYour task

Read Roberts, p.207-209 and chart Read Roberts, p.207-209 and chart the major changes in the UK the major changes in the UK Constitution. Use weblinks on the Constitution. Use weblinks on the department’s website to help you.department’s website to help you.

Your taskYour task

Each of the following statutes have had a Each of the following statutes have had a significant impact on the UK significant impact on the UK constitution. Work in groups to research constitution. Work in groups to research and present your findings.and present your findings.

The Life Peerages Act (1958)The Life Peerages Act (1958) The European Communities Act (1972)The European Communities Act (1972) The Human Rights Act (1998)The Human Rights Act (1998) The Scotland Act (1998)The Scotland Act (1998) The Freedom of Information Act (2000)The Freedom of Information Act (2000)