Historical Context Flashcards Preview

UK Government and Politics Glossary > Historical Context > Flashcards

Flashcards in Historical Context Deck (15)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

Uncodified constitution

A

This describes a constitution where the laws, rules and principles specifying how a state is governed are not gathered in a single document. Instead, they are found in a variety of sources - some written, e.g. Statute law and some unwritten, e.g. Convention.

2
Q

Habeas corpus

A

A process in law which means a person can appeal to the courts against unfair or illegal imprisonment.

3
Q

Trial by jury

A

The idea that a group of twelve peers would hear the evidence in a case and decide if the accused was guilty.

4
Q

Trial by ordeal

A

The medieval practice of putting the accused through an ordeal to determine guilt, such as burning their hand and waiting to see how well it healed.

5
Q

Chancellor of the exchequer

A

The government official responsible for calculating, collecting and distributing government funds through taxation and duties.

6
Q

House of Commons

A

The chamber where elected members of the UK parliament sit.

7
Q

House of Lords

A

The second, unelected, chamber of the UK parliament.

8
Q

Palace of Westminster

A

Originally the royal palace attached to Westminster Hall, today it is the seat of government and comprises Westminster Hall, the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

9
Q

Parler

A

A French term meaning to speak or converse.

10
Q

Parliament

A

The British legislative body that is made up of the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the monarchy.

11
Q

Westminster Hall

A

A large chamber in Westminster where the early Norman kings would meet with the nobility.

12
Q

Acts of Parliament

A

Laws that have been formally passed by parliament and given royal assent by the monarch.

13
Q

Codified constitution

A

A single, authoritative document that sets out the laws, rules and principles by which a state is governed, and which protects the rights of citizens.

14
Q

Sovereignty

A

The control of power and the ability to distribute and reclaim it in a political system.

15
Q

Declaration of rights

A

A statement of the rights of the subject which also declared that the monarch could not act without the consent of parliament.