historysetsyoufree.files.wordpress.com  · web viewthe fixed term parliaments act (2011) reform of...

A Level Government and Politics

Topic 5 – UK CONSTITUTION- Student Workbook –

Use your textbook and independent research.

Name……………………………………………………………………………Code/Teacher………………………………………………………………

Party identification model/theory Rational choice model/theory Issue-based model/theory Loss-aversion model/theory

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Lesson 1 – An introduction to the UK constitution

Essential readingColclough et al. (2017), Edexcel AS and A Level Politics, pp.144-147

Preparatory tasks1. What is meant by the term ‘constitution?’

Constitution

2. Read the passage entitled ‘The development of the constitution’. Summarise the development of the constitution from the 12th Century (e.g. The Magna Carta 1215) through to the 20th Century (e.g. European Communities Act 1972).

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3. Complete the following table.

Feature of the UK constitution Explanation (what does this term mean in the context of the UK?)

It isuncodified

It isunentrenched

It isunitary

4. What is meant by the term ‘parliamentary sovereignty’ and where did the term originate?

Parliamentary sovereignty

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5. In what 3 main ways can Parliament in the UK be seen to be sovereign, according to A. V. Dicey’s theory?

6. What is ‘the rule of law’?

The rule of law

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Lesson 2 – sources of the UK constitution

Essential readingColclough et al. (2017), Edexcel AS and A Level Politics, p.148

Preparatory tasks1. Complete the following table.

Source What is it? Examples

Statute law

Common law

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Conventions

Authoritative works

Treaties

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Lesson 3 – how the constitution has changed since 1997

Essential readingColclough et al. (2017), Edexcel AS and A Level Politics, pp.149-152

Preparatory tasks1. Why was there a demand for constitutional change by the time Tony Blair’s (New) Labour Party won the 1997 general election?

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2. Explain the constitutional changes which took place under Labour, 1997-2010.

Constitutional change

(1997-2010)Explanation

House of Lords reform

Devolution

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Electoral reform

The Human Rights Act

The creation of the Supreme Court

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2. After the 2010 general election, the Conservative Party and the Liberal Democratic Party formed a coalition government. What were the main areas of disagreement between the two parties with regards to constitutional reform?

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3. Explain the constitutional changes which took place under the Lib-Con coalition (2010-2015) and Conservative (2015-) governments

Constitutional change(2010-)

Explanation

Devolution

The Fixed Term Parliaments Act (2011)

Reform of the House of Commons

The Recall of MPs Act (2015)

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Lesson 4 – the role and powers of devolved bodies in the UK

Essential readingColclough et al. (2017), Edexcel AS and A Level Politics, pp.153-158

Preparatory tasks1. Using the text book, outline the extent/nature of devolution in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in recent years.

Where? Extent/nature of devolution?

England

Scotland

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Wales

Northern Ireland

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Lesson 5 – Debates on further constitutional reform

Essential readingColclough et al. (2017), Edexcel AS and A Level Politics, pp.158-161

Preparatory tasks1. Assess the following reforms (introduced since 1997) using the text book and your own knowledge/opinion. You could include up-to-date examples, where relevant.

Reform (since 1997) Has the reform gone far enough or is further reform required?

Devolution

Electoral reform

House of Lords reform

The Human Rights Act

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2. Overall, do you feel the constitutional reforms have gone far enough or is further reform required? Justify your answer.

3. Read pp.160-161 and prepare for debates on the following two questions:a) Should devolution be extended in England?b) Should we move towards an entrenched/codified UK constitution?

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