Sources of UK Constitution

Question	Answer
What are the sources of the UK Constitution?	Conventions Statute Law EU Treaties Traditions
What are conventions?	Rules that are not legally enforceable, but are considered binding, so are virtually laws. Eg.: The Sailsbury Convention - House of Lords cannot obstruct proposal in governing party's manifesto. Collective Cabinet responsibility - Members of government must stand united on government policies
What is Statute Law?	Laws that have been passed by Parliament, called Acts of Parliament and are generally the highest form of law. Eg.: Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 European Communities Act 1972
What are EU Treaties?	Treaties that the UK have signed regarding mostly to the transfer of power and sovereignty from the UK to the EU. Eg.: Maastricht Treaty 1992 Lisbon Treaty 2007
What are traditions?	Customs and practices that have grown up over a long period of time. Eg.: The annual Queen's Speech is how the government's annual legislative programme is announced. The Annual State Opening of Parliament has many traditions - Slamming of the Commons doors in front of Blackrod Royal Approbation of Speaker

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	Created by Marco Arcuri about 9 years ago