Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumThe British Constitution

The British constitution is described as 'uncodified' because it is not written in a single document but instead comes from several different sources. One of these sources consists of long-standing traditions and rules of political behaviour that are followed even though they are not legally binding. What is the correct term for these rules?

  1. Constitutional ConventionsAnswer
  2. B
    Statute Law
  3. C
    Common Law
  4. D
    Royal Prerogative

Answer

The correct term for non-legal rules based on tradition and political behaviour is Constitutional Conventions.
The correct answer is Constitutional Conventions because they are the specific source of the British constitution defined by traditional practices and political etiquette that are not written into law but are essential for the government to function.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the key characteristics mentioned in the question: 'not written in a single document', 'long-standing traditions', and 'not legally binding'.
Narrowed down the source to one that is based on custom rather than legislation or court rulings.
The UK constitution is uncodified, meaning it is made up of multiple parts including law and tradition.
2
Differentiate between the main sources: Statute Law (written Acts), Common Law (judge-made precedents), and Conventions (customs).
Excluded Statute Law and Common Law because they are both legally binding components of the constitution.
The question specifically specifies that the rules are followed despite NOT being legally binding.
3
Select the term that specifically describes traditional rules of political conduct.
Constitutional Conventions.
Conventions like the requirement for the Monarch to always follow the advice of the Prime Minister are central to the UK's parliamentary democracy.

Key Concept

Sources of the Uncodified British Constitution
Estimated Time:45s
Rate this question

Topics

The British Constitution

More questions from this topic