A-Level Edexcel Politics The Constitution: With reference to the source, ou

Question

With reference to the source, outline why the UK constitution is easy to change.

The way in which the United Kingdom’s constitutional arrangements may be changed is more flexible than in virtually any other western democracy, almost all of which have codified constitutions. This occurs because, in the uncodified UK constitution, constitutional arrangements can be altered by means such as introducing an Act of Parliament and recognising a new convention or revising an existing one. The Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, emphasised that 'We have a relatively large and a pragmatic stance on our arrangements, which many constitutional experts around the world recognise is a strength. We, the committees, recognise these strengths. However, current trends place too great an emphasis on the need for flexibility. Some constraints should be placed on this flexibility.'

Apart from the limited power of the House of Lords under the Parliament Acts to delay or reject legislation, there is no formal system of checks and balances by which the nature of the uncodified UK constitution can be safeguarded and protected. Thus, there is little to prevent a government which has majority control of the House of Commons from getting its way. This lack of constraint makes it easier for Parliament to effect change, with nothing that lies essentially within the gift of the government to restrain it.

Since 2010, the UK has been through a period of significant constitutional change, including the proposals concerning the Scotland Act 1998, the Wales Act 1998, the Northern Ireland Act 1998, the Human Rights Act 1998, the House of Lords Act 1999 and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Proposals for further significant change have been on the agenda since then, in particular following the May 2010 general election.

With reference to the source, outline why the UK constitution is easy to change - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 1 - 2014 - Paper 2

Worked Solution & Example Answer:With reference to the source, outline why the UK constitution is easy to change - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 1 - 2014 - Paper 2

Outline why the UK constitution is easy to change

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