Article

UK Constitution Glossary 27-01-2026

Tuesday, 27 January 2026

Bicameral means two chambers.

WordDefinitionDate Added
Authoritative worksBooks written by respected judges or academics that are used to clarify and explain the constitution.27/01/2026
Codified constitutionA constitution where all rules are written down in one single document.27/01/2026
Common lawLaw created by judicial precedent, based on decisions made by judges in courts.27/01/2026
Constitutional sovereigntyThe idea that the constitution is the highest source of authority in a political system.27/01/2026
ConventionsUnwritten rules that are politically binding but not legally enforceable.27/01/2026
Royal perogativePowers which the Prime Minister inherits from the monarch, in the name of the monarch.27/01/2026 - modified 28/01/2026
EntrenchedLaws that are protected and hard to change, usually requiring a special procedure.27/01/2026
Fundamental lawLaws that set out the basic rules and principles of how the state is governed.27/01/2026
Parliamentary sovereigntyParliament has ultimate authority and can make or unmake any law.27/01/2026
Rule of lawEveryone, including the government, is subject to the law and treated equally.27/01/2026
Separation of powersPower is split between the executive, legislature and judiciary to prevent abuse of power.27/01/2026
Statute law
Fun fact: Statute law is called as such due to the paper it is made on - statue, made from a rare form of parchment
Law that has been passed by Parliament and written into Acts of Parliament.27/01/2026
Uncodified constitutionA constitution that is not written in one document and comes from multiple sources.27/01/2026
Unitary systemA system where sovereignty lies with central government, which can devolve power but also take it back.27/01/2026
Supreme courtThe highest (most authority) court in the UK.

It sets a lot of common law/ president.
27/01/2026 - modified 28/01/2026
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