What is Parliamentary Sovereignty according to Dicey?
Parliament can make or repeal any law, and no court or body can override its legislation.
What are the three elements of the Rule of Law (Dicey)?
1) No punishment without law, 2) equality before the law, 3) constitution is a result of ordinary law.
What are modern principles of the Rule of Law (per Lord Bingham)?
Accessibility of law, equality, human rights respect, fair procedures, and legal accountability of government.
What is the Separation of Powers?
The division of powers among the legislative, executive, and judiciary to prevent abuse of power.
Why is the separation of powers not strict in the UK?
Because ministers are part of both the executive and the legislature (Parliament).
What is devolution?
The statutory delegation of powers from the UK Parliament to regional governments (e.g. Scotland, Wales, NI).
What powers does the Scottish Parliament have?
Legislative powers in areas like health, education, justice, and some taxation powers.
What is the Sewel Convention?
Westminster will not normally legislate on devolved matters without the consent of the devolved legislature.
What is legislative devolution?
The transfer of primary law-making powers to regional parliaments/assemblies.
What is administrative devolution?
Transfer of responsibility for implementing policy but not law-making powers.
What triggered the 1998 devolution reforms?
Referendums in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
What is the significance of the Scotland Act 1998?
Established the Scottish Parliament and defined its powers.
What are reserved matters in devolution?
Policy areas retained by the UK Parliament, such as defense and foreign affairs.
What does “asymmetric devolution” mean?
Different parts of the UK have different degrees and types of devolved powers.
What is the role of referendums in UK constitutional change?
They are used to approve major changes (e.g. devolution, Brexit), though not legally binding.
What was the outcome of the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum?
55% voted to remain in the UK.
What is constitutional reform?
Changes that alter the structure or powers of constitutional institutions.
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