2. Constitutions: the nature and sources of the United Kingdom constitution

Abstract

The Q&A series offers the best preparation for tackling exam questions. Each chapter includes typical questions, diagram problem and essay answer plans, suggested answers, notes of caution, tips on obtaining extra marks, the key debates on each topic, and suggestions on further reading. This chapter considers the constitution of the United Kingdom of Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) and Northern Ireland. The questions deal with issues such as whether a written constitution would make a great improvement to the UK system of government; the purpose of constitutional conventions; Dicey’s theory of the rule of law; the meaning of ‘separation of powers’; and its role in the constitutional arrangements of the UK and devolution or federalism.