Constitutional law

The UK’s constitution is unwritten in the sense that it does not derive from a single constitutional text. An amalgamation of case law, statutes and international treaties form rule of law in the UK, together with conventions, prerogatives and practices which are unwritten. In addition the Sovereign has special powers, or prerogatives, some of which can be exercised by government ministers. The monarchy, government, parliament, judiciary and legal profession all have a role to play in creating UK law.

The principal characteristics of the UK constitution and system of government include:

1. •

   the constitution is unwritten, evolutionary and highly flexible

2. •

   conventions are of special importance

3. •

   the UK is a constitutional monarchy and a representative democracy

4. •

   the UK is a unitary State, with asymmetrical devolution of government in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland established by Acts of Parliament

5. •

   the UK has:

   1. ◦

      a parliamentary executive

   2. ◦

      a bicameral legislature (the House of Commons and the House of Lords)

   3. ◦

      an independent judiciary

   4. ◦

      a permanent, politically impartial, professional Civil Service

   5. ◦

      an established church in England

   6. ◦

      freedom of political activity and parties