The Character of the UK Constitution

Abstract

In this chapter we shall look at the general character of the UK constitution. In most countries the constitution is contained in a special written document which is presented to the community as having a higher status than the ordinary law. Sometimes a constitutional provision is not alterable at all, as is the case with the French Constitution’s requirement of a republican form of government (although perhaps even this could be amended if the provision that says it cannot be amended is itself first changed). However, it is more common to lay down a special procedure, for example a referendum of the people, in order to change the constitution. In the United Kingdom (UK) we have no written or perhaps more accurately no codified constitution. Our constitution comprises a mixture of ordinary written laws comprising statutes and case law together with political rules and practices, the more important of which are known as conventions.