1. Strengths and Weaknesses
Miss Christian 12E F9 Lesson #2
Wednesday 14th September 2011
Strengths and Weaknesses

2. Learning Objectives
To consolidate understanding of the principles of the UK constitution
To identify the strengths and weaknesses of the UK constitution
To debate whether the strengths now outweigh the weaknesses of the UK constitution

3. Parliamentary Sovereignty Parliamentary Government
Sovereignty = “Crown in Parliament”
Parliamentary sovereignty is a form of legal sovereignty (i.e. make, amend, repeal any law)
Parliamentary Sovereignty
The Rule of Law has traditionally been seen as an alternative to a codified constitution, showing that, even in the absence of higher law, government is till subject to legal checks and constraints.
Government, in short, is not ‘above’ the law.
The Rule of Law
UK constitutional structure is based on a fusion of powers between executive and Parliament (i.e. parliamentary government).
Government & parliament overlap/interlock.
Government, in effect, governs in and through parliament.
Parliamentary Government
Monarchy remains constitutionally significant body in the UK. Monarchy is a ‘dignified’ institution and still plays vital role even if no meaningful political power. Role is to promote popular allegiance, serve as a symbol of political unity above party politics. Monarch has the right to be informed, consulted, to warn and encourage.
Constitutional Monarchy
Membership of the EU has major implications for the UK constitution e.g. role and significance of Parliament [can parliament still be seen as sovereign?]
Sovereignty now best understood as ‘parliamentary sovereignty within the context of EU membership’.
EU Membership

4. Strengths and Weaknesses of the UK Constitution
Potential Exam Questions
Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the UK constitution.
The strengths now outweigh the weaknesses of the UK constitution. Do you agree?

5. Strengths Weaknesses Flexibility Democratic rule Effective government
In your groups identify as many strengths and weaknesses of the constitution as you can think of. Think about the key features and concepts you have learnt about; pros and cons Think about praise or criticism of the UK political system you have seen or read in the news
Strengths
Weaknesses
Flexibility
Democratic rule
Effective government
History and tradition
Uncertainty
Elective dictatorship
Centralization
Weak protection of rights

6. The Traditional British Constitution
Strengths
Provides a coherent system of government
Evolved over time, reflecting the values of the British People
Parliamentary sovereignty ensures a clear centre of authority
The rule of law protects the rights of citizens
Government is responsible – it is accountable to parliament and the electorate
Government is effective – it can implement their policy programmes
The constitution is flexible and easily adapted
Weaknesses
Parliamentary sovereignty and a strong executive produces centralised government
Local and sub-national governments are not constitutionally protected
The rights of citizens are weak and not safeguarded effectively
Pre-democratic elements survive e.g. the monarchy, House of Lords
Changes to the constitution do not require special procedures e.g. a referendum is not required.

7. Things to think about… STRENGTHS
In order to change the UK’s constitution all you need to do is pass an act of parliament. This means the UK can adapt to changing circumstances. Is this always a good thing?
Because the House of Commons is elected (and supreme) we can see a continuous link to democratic principals since the electoral reforms of the 19th Century. This can be linked to a decrease in power of our unelected second chamber
Our electoral system and fusion of powers means that government is usually allowed to push through its manifesto promises. Does this imply a tyranny at the heart of British democracy?  
Conservatives believe that tradition is an important part of our constitution. Our institutions are ‘tested by time’. If it isn’t broke don’t fix it!

8. Things to think about… WEAKNESSES
With so many sources to our constitution it is sometimes difficult to know what the constitution says. This is especially true of the unwritten parts..... such as?
What do you think the term elective dictatorship means? 
Even though the Human Rights Act 1998 defends our rights these can still be overturned by parliament-for example, terrorist legislation.
Our constitution can be accused of being overly central. This is because: › PM tends to dominate the cabinet › The HOC dominates the HOL › The executive controls the parliament (HOC) through the Whips › Central government controls local government.

9. 30 seconds – 1 minute – 30 seconds = 2 minutes total
Let’s Debate
THE MOTION: This House believes the strengths outweigh the weaknesses of the UK constitution. (British Parliamentary Style Debating)
PROPOSITION
OPPOSITION
1st Speaker
2nd Speaker
3rd Speaker
4th Speaker
30 seconds – 1 minute – 30 seconds = 2 minutes total

10. Homework
Reading and Note taking, Heywood, p (The Changing Constitution)