The UK constitution is based on statutes, conventions, royal prerogatives, and common law
Related questions (5)
Which of the following is NOT one of the four sources of the UK constitution?
Statutes (Acts of Parliament)
Conventions
Referendums
Common law
Explanation
The four sources are statutes, conventions, royal prerogatives, and common law. Referendums are a democratic tool but are not a formal source of the constitution.
Royal prerogatives are powers that are now mostly exercised by which of the following?
The monarch personally
Government ministers
Judges in the Supreme Court
Members of the House of Lords
Explanation
Royal prerogatives historically belonged to the monarch but are now mostly exercised by government ministers on behalf of the Crown. These include declaring war and signing treaties.
What is common law?
Laws passed by Parliament
Legal principles established by judges through court decisions over centuries
International treaties signed by the UK
Rules set by local councils
Explanation
Common law is law developed from judges' decisions over centuries. It fills gaps where statutes do not exist. Laws passed by Parliament are statutes, not common law.
Which of the following is an example of a constitutional convention in the UK?
The Magna Carta requires the king to consult barons
The monarch always grants Royal Assent to Bills
MPs must be over 21 years old
The Supreme Court has 12 judges
Explanation
The monarch always granting Royal Assent is a convention — an unwritten rule followed by tradition. It is not written in statute but is always observed. The Magna Carta is a statute, not a convention.
What are conventions in the context of the UK constitution?
Written laws passed by Parliament
International treaties signed by the monarch
Unwritten rules followed by tradition
Regulations made by local councils
Explanation
Conventions are unwritten rules followed by tradition, such as the monarch always granting Royal Assent to Bills. Option A describes statutes, not conventions. Option B describes treaties (a royal prerogative). Option D describes local regulations, which are not a source of the constitution.