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UNIT 2
| Content outline | Key concepts | Course outline |
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What is the nature of the UK constitution? |
constitution, types of constitutional government, parliamentary sovereignty |
- an understanding of the nature, workings and major principles of the UK constitution within the context of EU membership and a comparative knowledge of different types of constitution. (The issue of constitutional reform is covered in Unit 3.) |
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What is the role and significance of Parliament? |
parliamentary government, presidential government, fusion/separation of powers, representative government |
- a knowledge of the functions of Parliament and an ability to discuss how well these functions are performed; in particular, the relationship between Parliament and the Executive. (The issue of parliamentary reform is examined in Unit 3.) - a comparative knowledge of the difference between parliamentary and presidential systems is required. |
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Who has power within the executive? |
prime ministerial government, accountability, ministerial responsibility, civil service neutrality, open government, cabinet government. |
- a knowledge of the distribution of power within the UK executive. A knowledge of the factors that influence the relationship between the prime minister and the cabinet. A knowledge of the relationship between ministers and civil servants and of their accountability to Parliament and the public. (Unit 3 addresses the issue of reform.) |
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Do judges deliver justice and defend freedom? |
judicial independence, judicial neutrality, civil liberty |
- a knowledge of the role of the courts in relation to Parliament and the executive. An understanding of the impact of the courts on the issues of civil liberties and individual rights. |
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