Constitution of UK – Key Reforms Made Over Time
This table summarizes key events and legislative acts related to the constitutional development of the United Kingdom:
Year | Event/Act | Key Points |
---|---|---|
1536/1543 | Acts of Union between Wales and England | Legal incorporation of Wales into England; Restriction on Welsh language in court proceedings |
1689 | Bill of Rights | Established terms for the ascension of William III and Mary II; Firmly established Parliament’s authority |
1701 | Act of Settlement | Prevented Catholics from taking the English throne; Enhanced Parliament’s power |
1706-1707 | Acts of Union between Scotland and England | United England and Scotland into a single legislature; Scotland retained own legal system |
1800 | Act of Union with Ireland | Controversial union; No measures to remove discrimination against Catholics |
1911, 1949 | Parliament Acts | Primacy of the House of Commons; Reduced power of the House of Lords |
1972 | European Communities Act | Incorporated European Community Law into UK domestic law; Established EU law as supreme |
1998 | Human Rights Act | Gave direct effect to European Convention on Human Rights in UK law; Empowered UK courts in human rights |
1999 | House of Lords Act | Reduced size of the House of Lords; Removed hereditary peerages |
2018 | European Union (Withdrawal) Act | Repealed European Communities Act 1972; Transferred EU law to UK statute book |
Constitution of UK
Constitution of UK: England is a country that doesn’t have a written constitution like some others around the world. Instead, it follows an “uncodified constitution.” The government of the UK abides by a set of written rules and regulations that come from a mix of English and Scottish laws, as well as international treaties and agreements accepted by the UK.
In this article, we will learn about the Constitution of the UK in great detail, and take a look at its salient features, different institutions, and the reforms made over time as well.
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