Revision Notes: The British Constitution

• Nature of the British Constitution: The British constitution is 'unwritten', comprising principles and institutions developed over hundreds of years, allowing flexibility in governance 🔗.
• Constitutional Institutions: The UK government is composed of various parts, including the monarchy, Parliament, and the judiciary, among others 🔗.

System of Government

• Parliamentary Democracy: The UK's government operates as a parliamentary democracy with elected MPs forming the House of Commons 🔗.
• The House of Commons: The House of Commons, composed of elected MPs, is crucial for law-making and governmental scrutiny 🔗.
• The House of Lords: Unlike the House of Commons, the House of Lords is not elected and includes life peers nominated by the Prime Minister 🔗.
• The Speaker: The Speaker is the neutral chair of Commons' debates, ensuring order and representing Parliament in ceremonies 🔗.
• The Monarchy: The monarch is the head of state of the UK, serves as the ceremonial head of state, appoints the government, and represents the UK internationally. All Acts of Parliament are made in the Majesty's name 🔗.
• The National Anthem (God Save the King): The UK National Anthem is played at national events and as part of the citizenship ceremony is an oath to the monarch 🔗.

Members of Parliament

• Elections: General elections in the UK occur every five years via a 'first past the post' system 🔗.
• Contacting MPs: Constituents can contact their representatives via various channels, including local surgeries and official contact details 🔗.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What type of constitution does the UK have?
   a) Written
   b) Unwritten
   c) Semi-written
   d) None

2. What kind of government does the UK have?
   a) Monarchy-only
   b) Oligarchy
   c) Parliamentary democracy
   d) Republic

3. Who appoints life peers in the House of Lords?
   a) The Monarch
   b) The Prime Minister
   c) High Court Judges
   d) The Speaker

4. What is the system called that is used for electing MPs in the UK?
   a) Proportional Representation
   b) Majority Vote
   c) First Past the Post
   d) Alternative Vote

5. How are European Parliament elections conducted in terms of representation?
   a) First Past the Post
   b) Winner Takes All
   c) Proportional Representation
   d) Nomination by Monarch

Answers:

1. b - Unwritten
2. c - Parliamentary democracy
3. b - The Prime Minister
4. c - First Past the Post
5. c - Proportional Representation