Lecture 1

Lecture: 1
What is Politics?
The activities associated with the governance of a country or area, especially the debate between
parties having power.
What is political system?
In political science, a political system means the form of political organization that can be
observed, recognized or otherwise declared by a society or state.[1]
It defines the process for making official government decisions. It usually comprises the
governmental legal and economic system, social and cultural system, and other state and
government specific systems. However, this is a very simplified view of a much more complex
system of categories involving the questions of who should have authority and what the
government influence on its people and economy should be
 Examples: Anarchy
 Aristocracy
 Authoritarianism
 Bureaucracy
 Capitalism
 Confederation
 Colonialism
 Communism
 Corporatocracy
 Democracy
 Ecclesiocracy
 Electocracy
Political system of UK
The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy which, by legislation and convention,
operates as a unitary parliamentary democracy.
Basic features of British (UK) constitution

The UK constitution is an uncodified constitution, meaning that it is not contained in a
single document or charter. Instead, it is made up of various sources of law, including
statutes, common law, conventions, and authoritative sources. Here are the top 10
features of the UK constitution.
1. Unwritten Constitution
One of the most distinctive features of the UK Constitution is that it is unwritten or
uncodified, meaning it is not contained in a single, formal document. Instead, it is
composed of various sources, including statutes, common law, conventions, and
authoritative texts. This decentralized nature allows for a high degree of flexibility and
adaptability, enabling the constitution to evolve organically with changing political and
social conditions. Historical documents such as the Magna Carta (1215), the Bill of
Rights (1689), and the Human Rights Act (1998) are all integral parts of the constitution,
contributing to its unique structure.
2. Parliamentary Sovereignty
Parliamentary sovereignty is a cornerstone of the UK Constitution, signifying that
Parliament is the supreme legal authority. It can create or end any law, and no court or
other body can override its legislation. This principle ensures that elected representatives
have the ultimate decision-making power, reflecting the democratic foundation of the
UK. However, recent developments, such as the UK's membership in the European
Union (prior to Brexit) and the devolution of powers to Scotland, Wales, and Northern
Ireland, have introduced nuances and challenges to this principle.
3. Rule of Law
The rule of law is a fundamental principle of the UK Constitution, asserting that
everyone, including the government, is subject to the law. This principle ensures that
laws are applied equally and fair ly, protecting individual rights and preventing arbitrary
use of power. The judiciary plays a crucial role in upholding the rule of law by
reviewing the actions of the executive and ensuring that they comply with legal
standards. This principle is crucial for maintaining public trust in the legal system and
ensuring justice.
4. Constitutional Monarchy
The UK operates as a constitutional monarchy, where the monarch's powers are
regulated by the constitution. While the Queen (or King) is the head of state, t heir role is
largely ceremonial, and real political power rests with elected representatives. The
monarch's duties include the formal opening of Parliament, the granting of royal assent
to legislation, and the appointment of the Prime Minister. However, these actions are
performed according to established conventions and the advice of the Prime Minister,
ensuring that the monarchy does not interfere with democratic governance .
5. Separation of Powers
Although the UK does not have a strict separation of powers like the United States, there
is a functional division between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The
executive (government) is drawn from the legislature (Parliament), with the Prime
Minister and Cabinet members being Members of Parlia ment (MPs). The judiciary is
independent and responsible for interpreting laws and reviewing executive actions. This
system of checks and balances helps prevent the concentration of power and protects
democratic governance.
6. Judicial Review
Judicial review is a process by which courts examine the actions of the executive and
legislative branches to ensure they comply with the law. In the UK, the judiciary has the
authority to review and potentially nullify government actions that are deemed unlawful
or unconstitutional. This mechanism serves as a crucial check on executive power,
ensuring that government actions are legal and just. Judicial review enhances
accountability and protects individual rights against potential government overreach .
7. Devolution
Devolution refers to the delegation of powers from the central government to regional
governments in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Each of these regions has its own
parliament or assembly and varying degrees of legislative power. Devolution allow s for
greater local autonomy and decision-making tailored to the specific needs and
preferences of these regions. While devolution has strengthened regional governance, it
has also introduced complexities and challenges in maintaining the unity of the UK,
particularly in areas where powers and responsibilities overlap .
8. Constitutional Conventions
Constitutional conventions are unwritten rules that govern political practices and
behavior in the UK. These conventions are not legally enforceable but are fo llowed by
political actors to ensure the smooth functioning of government. Examples include the
convention that the Prime Minister must be a member of the House of Commons and the
practice of royal assent being granted to legislation passed by Parliament. Conventions
play a vital role in the UK’s flexible constitutional framework, bridging gaps where
formal laws may not exist.
9. Human Rights
The protection of human rights is an integral part of the UK Constitution, particularly
since the incorporation of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) into
domestic law through the Human Rights Act 1998. This Act allows UK courts to hear
human rights cases and provides individuals with a mechanism to challenge violations of
their rights. The Act has significantly influenced UK law and policy, ensuring that
human rights considerations are embedded in the legal system and government decision -
making processes.
10. Common Law

The UK relies on a common law legal system, which means that judicial decisions and
precedents are used to interpret and apply the law. Common law evolves through
decisions made by judges in individual cases, which become preced ents for future cases.
This system allows the law to develop over time, adapting to new situations and societal
changes. It provides a layer of flexibility and responsiveness to the legal system,
ensuring that it can address contemporary issues effectively.
The UK Constitution's unique and uncodified nature provides it with remarkable
flexibility and resilience. Its blend of historical documents, legal principles,
conventions, and modern statutes has allowed it to adapt to changing times and
challenges. Key features such as parliamentary sovereignty, the rule of law,
constitutional monarchy, separation of powers, common law, and human rights
protection form the bedrock of this evolving constitutional framework.
The end

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Basic features of British (UK) constitution

10. Common Law

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