The United Kingdom's constitution is often described as uncodified, relying on a complex interplay between legal authority and traditional practices. In this context, how does a 'constitutional convention' specifically restrict the Monarch's legal power regarding the passage of new legislation?
- It functions as an unwritten rule that requires the Monarch to always grant Royal Assent to bills passed by Parliament, despite possessing the theoretical legal right to refuse.Answer
- BIt acts as a legally binding statute that allows the Supreme Court to override the Monarch's decision if Royal Assent is withheld from a controversial bill.
- CIt provides the Monarch with the formal political authority to veto any legislation that is deemed by the Privy Council to be contrary to the national interest.
- DIt requires all ancient prerogative powers to be formally written into the Bill of Rights before they can be exercised by the Monarch in a modern parliamentary session.
Answer
Constitutional conventions are unwritten rules that require the Monarch to always grant Royal Assent to legislation passed by Parliament, effectively turning a theoretical legal power into a ceremonial duty.
The correct answer identifies that while the Monarch has a theoretical legal power to refuse a bill, a constitutional convention—an unwritten rule of political behavior—effectively requires them to always grant Royal Assent. This maintains the democratic principle that laws should be made by elected representatives rather than the Sovereign.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The Distinction Between Legal Power and Constitutional Convention