Constitutions organise, distribute and regulate the power of the state. They set out its structure, the major state institutions, and the principles governing their relations with each other and with the state’s citizens. Britain is unusual in that it has an ‘unwritten’ constitution: unlike the great majority of countries. Whether the British Constiution is able to fulfil each of its purposes is a matter that needs to be explored. Evidence shows us that the UK Constitution is still fit for purpose, as the state has suffered no major political unrest or violent revolutions, unlike many other countries, many of which have had to install a constitution as a result.
One way in which the UK constitution is no longer fit for purpose is that it lacks restraint on the powers of government and Parliament due to parliamentary sovereignty; this may be dangerous, especially to individual and minority rights. This is a particularly good example of how the UK constitution is no longer fit for purpose, as one of a constitution’s key functions is to distribute power equally, before 2005, the Lord Chancellor of the Exchequer had influence in all areas of government: the executive, the legislature and the judiciary. This meant that the possibility of corruption within the UK government was to a high degree, as he/she had had a say in every aspect of governing. However the Constituitional Reform Act in 2005 solved this issue; the Lord Chancellor of the Exchequer retained his title but no longer presided over the House of Lords or was head of the Courts system.
The Essay on State Vs Federal Powers
The United States of America prides itself on it's democratic government, but the power of the federal government todays threatens American democracy. The Federal Government should grant states more powers to govern themselves. States' Rights, in United States history, advocated the strict limitation of the advantages of the federal government to those powers assigned to it in the Constitution of ...
Despite the possibility of powerrelated corruption, throughout the years the Constitution has served us well and acted funcionally, as no British government has ever reached a state of corrupt governing such as dictatorship or kleptocracy. In this sense the UK Constitution has proven itself fit for purpose. Some countries have had to establish a constitution, following a crisis or an extreme governmental change, for example, in 1975, a constitution was established in Spain, following Francisco Franco’s longrunning dictatorship, and marked Spain’s transition to democracy. The UK’s Constitution has meant that the state’s government is clear and consistent, in contrast to the changing natures of other countries’ governments. Futhermore, our Constitution is, arguably, still fit for purpose in the sense that, with it, we have maintained functional, efficient and generally credible governments.
Another argument against the UK Constitution’s fitness for purpose is that it was ‘written’ centuries ago, and consequently was written to represent institutions that are now largely outdated, for example the monarchy and the House of Lords. Both are considered ‘politcally irrelevant’, as they go against the UK’s system of democracy. The argument against the UK Constitution’s efficiency is strengthened as these bodies were, and still are, unable to represent the people, as the British people did not democratically elect them. However, as the UK Constitution is uncodified and not completely entrenched, the British government can be flexible when dealing with or implementing new legislature. As the world modernises, the flexibility of the UK Constitution allows our unwritten conventions and laws to slowly evolve with the world’s development.
Throughout the 20th century when the world saw massive political, social and economic changes, the UK was able to exercise a pragmatic approach and therefore adapt due to their unconstrainted constitution. Due to the codified nature of many constitutions in other countries, adapting to the changing times and various dilemmas has been a tricky process. For example, following the 9/11 attacks in 2001, the USA and many European countries had problems dealing with terrorism because
Úna Richards 27/03/2013
‘The UK Constitution is no longer fit for purpose.’ Discuss.
The Essay on Anti Federalist Constitution Government National
Most Americans were very suspicious of government, but the Anti-Federalist was really mistrustful of the government in general and strong national government. This mistrust was the basis of their opposition to the constitution. They feared it had created a government the people could not control. Many distinguished Americans were Anti-Federalists. Leaders included George Mason and Elbridge Gerry. ...
