THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT"

Transcription

1 THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT The political institutions of the United Kingdom are divided into the legislative, the executive and the judiciary. The last of these will be developed in Unit 8. Walter Bageot, a close observer of the English political institutions, which he describes in his monumental work The British Constitution published in 1867, wrote: The efficient secret of the English constitution is the nearly complete fusion of the executive and legislative powers. The link between them, he said, is the Cabinet. This is a committee of ministers chosen from Parliament. Therefore, they are members of both the executive and the legislative branches of governement, showing the near omnipotence of the legislature. The Prime Minister is the leader of the majority party in the House of Commons and is head of the executive part of the government. The queen is only the dignitary, the symbolic head. Bageot continued saying that the Cabinet is an absolutely secret committee, which can dissolve the assembly which appointed it. It is part of the executive branch which is simultaneously appointed by the legislature and it is capable of annihilating this legislature. The system stands in precise contrast to the presidential system in which the legislative and executive powers are entirely independent. Similarly the Lord Chancellor, one of the most important men in England, used to be both head of the judiciary and, as a member of the Cabinet, part of the executive. He used to be the highest judge in the country, a sort of minister of justice, and he appointed all the judges. He also presided over the House of Lords in Parliament, a legislative body. In order to improve the separation of powers in Britain, the Labour government reformed the status of the Lord Chancellor in The Constitutional Reform Act of 2005, reducing his functions to the executive power. I. THE EXECUTIVE As in France, there is a government made up of government departments and a Cabinet. The Prime Minister heads the Government and, symbolically, so does the monarch. There are about 100 government departments employing a large number of civil servants. Each government department is headed by two people: a political head, who is a Minister and an administrative head, the Permanent Secretary who is a civil servant. The minister can be replaced following changes in political circumstances, but the 1

2 Permanent Secretary holds office permanently, guaranteeing the stability of the department. All government departements are responsible for implementing Government policy and the laws passed by Parliament. The Treasury, the Home Office, the Foreign Office, the Ministry of Defence, the Department of Education etc. are among the most important departments. The Cabinet is at the core of the Government. It is composed of about 20 of the most important ministers. It is headed by the Prime Minister. All major decisions are made by the Cabinet during weekly Cabinet meetings. Also part of the Executive is the Privy Council, a vestige of the time when the Sovereign had greater power. Today one of its roles is to advise on the exercise of prerogative powers and certain functions assigned to the Queen by Act of Parliament. However, its major role is exercised through its Judicial Committee, an ultimate court of appeal for several Commonwealth countries. The judicial committee of the Privy Council also serves as an arbiter for devolution issues, which makes it also part of the judicial branch of government. As mentioned earlier, the monarch has to carry out some governmental duties. The Queen officially appoints the Prime Minister after general elections. She must receive him or her after each Cabinet meeting in order to be informed of the current agenda. In addition, when the Queen summons Parliament, she must open each session by reading the legislative programme prepared for her by the Government. II. THE LEGISLATIVE The legislature consists of the Monarch (symbolically) and a bi cameral Parliament. The right to enact laws lies solely with the two houses of Parliament: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The House of Lords is the older of the two. It was originally a chamber of the aristocracy whose membership was inherited. It used to be called the Upper House, out of respect and courtesy. Gradually, it has lost almost all of its prerogatives and has become the second house, leaving the leading role to the House of Commons which is now by far the dominant branch of Parliament. All members of the House of Commons are elected by the people. The term MP (initials of Member of Parliament) is used to designate the members of the Commons. Members of the House of Lords are called Lords or peers. 2

3 1. Legislation UNIT 2 LEGISLATIVE & EXECUTIVE P. KAPITANIAK Parliament was established during the second English Civil War and has expanded ever since. The first English civil war took place from 1139 to 1153 and began with a conflict over the succession to the throne. The second civil war occurred between 1264 and 1265 and resulted from a conflict between the king, Henry III, and the barons. They objected to his policies favoring relatives and friends and they called a meeting, which they called a parliament. This was the beginning of this institution. After a long series of disputes between kings and Parliament, culminating in the Glorious Revolution, the principle of Parliamentary supremacy was included in the Bill of Rights. Under this principle, Parliament can pass, repeal and alter any British law, even constitutional rules. Contrary to what is possible in some countries, no other body of government can declare a law passed by Parliament unconstitutional. The procedure to pass a law begins with the introduction of a bill in either house of Parliament. The bill must be discussed in this house, then voted on which will lead to either rejection of the bill or its passage. If the bill is passed in the first house, it must go to the other house where it will go through the same procedure. A bill, passed by the two houses of Parliament goes to the Monarch for the Royal Assent, the signature of the Monach signifying his/her approval, and then it becomes an Act of Parliament. Until receiving the Royal Assent, it is called a bill. The only bills which cannot be introduced in either house are public money bills. Under the Parliament Act 1911, money bills are always introduced by the Government in the House of Commons and the Lords have to pass them without amendment. Public bills deal with matters of public importance, private bills deal with local matters and individuals. They are passed in Parliament in more or less the same way as public bills. In reality, a majority of bills are introduced in the House of Commons where they are debated, amended if necessary, and voted on. If they are passed, they go to the House of Lords where the same procedure is repeated. If they are rejected there, they return to the Commons to be amended, then go back to the Lords to be passed. The Lords may not delay public bills for more than two parliamentary sessions. Thus, the Lords can only delay the passage of a public bill, they cannot reject it. The power of the Lords to reject a bill has been severely curtailed. In order to be enforced by the judges, an Act of Parliament has to be published in a Statute Book. 2. The House of Commons This is a democratically elected body, consisting of 650 members (of which 533 represent England, 59 Scotland, 40 Wales and 18 Northern Ireland). These 3

4 representatives are known as Members of Parliament, or MPs. Members are elected by a first past the post system of election for limited terms and hold office until Parliament is dissolved (after a maximum of five years). Each member represents an electoral district, known as a constituency. All adults aged 18 and over, who are registered on the electoral roll, may vote in parliamentary elections also called general elections. General elections occur whenever Parliament is dissolved by the Sovereign, however, a parliamentary term may not last for more than five years. Most British subjects over the age of 21 may stand for election to the House of Commons. Certain classes of people cannot become MPs, such as minors, members of the House of Lords, prisoners and people declared insane. Also uneligeable to stand for Parliament, pursuant to the House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975, are holders of nonpolitical and permanent offices, such as civil servants, high judges, members of the regular armed forces, members of foreign legislatures. 3. The House of Lords Before 1999, this House was a vestige of the feudal system consisting of: Lords Temporal: over 750 peers sitting by right of hereditary title alone, completed with roughly 500 life peers, appointed to hold office as long as they live, for service rendered to the country Lords Spiritual: 26 archbishops and bishops representing the Church of England Law Lords: 13 judges (including the Lord Chancellor) sitting on the Appellate Committee of the House of Lords, which functioned as the highest court of the land. The House of Lords Act (1999) suppressed the immemorial privilege given to the nobles to sit in the House of Lords simply because of their nobility. Section I of the Act provides that No one shall be a member of the House of Lords by virtue of a hereditary peerage. Under the Act, a commission was appointed to report on the future composition and future role of the House of Lords. For the time being, the transitional composition of the House is 821 members: Lords Temporal: of the 92 hereditary peers left after the 1999 House of Lords Act reform, only 2 remain, while 14 were elected by the whole House while 74 were chosen by other hereditary peers (they will be allowed to remain until their death). Lords Spiritual: no change up to now (but this group might be reduced from 26 to 12 in the near future). 4

5 The Constitutional Reform Act (2005) suppressed the judicial function of the House of Lords. Since October 1 st 2009, the 12 Law Lords have left the House of Lords to become the 12 Justices of the new Supreme Court of the United Kingdom. Parliament enacts laws during a period of time called a parliament, divided into sessions, there being at least one a year. Under the Parliament Act of 1911, a parliament may not last more than 5 years. The Fixed term Parliaments Act of 2011 prevents the Prime Minister from anticipating the election date by scheduling the Election Day for the first Thursday of the fifth year. Another official duty of the monarch together with giving the Royal Assent to all bills, is to summon Parliament at the beginning of a session and to prorogue it at the end. III. RELATIONS BETWEEN THE EXECUTIVE AND THE LEGISLATIVE It should become clear that there are strong links between Parliament and the Government. It is always the leader of the party which has won the general elections in the House of Commons who becomes Prime Minister. Thus, when electors vote for their MPs, they know, as soon as the results are published, who is going to be the head of Government, even though it is the Queen who will officially appoint him or her a few days later. Upon accepting office, the Prime Minister selects ministers from amongst MPs of his own party in Parliament to form his Government. Consequently, all the Cabinet members also sit in Parliament. The decisions of the Cabinet are made collectively and must be taken unanimously. All members of the Cabinet (including the Prime Minister) are collectively responsible to Parliament and must be ready to answer for their decisions and actions. This is the principle of Responsible Government. By convention, the Prime Minister is answerable to, and must maintain the support of, the House of Commons. When a Government has lost the confidence of the House of Commons, the Prime Minister is obliged to resign, thereby precipitating a general election. Another way for Parliament to exercise control over the Government is by scrutinizing the spending of public money. As long as a party retains its majority in the House of Commons, its leader remains the Prime Minister. Consequently, following the general elections in 2005, Tony Blair was reappointed Prime Minister for the third time. The party having the second biggest number of members in the House of Commons forms the Opposition Party. They make sure that the Government respects the principles of responsible government. They do this through Question Time, a period during which Opposition members 5

6 have the opportunity to ask questions of the Prime Minister and of other Cabinet ministers. The members of the Opposition also form the Shadow Cabinet which must be ready with their own policies to form the Governement, if they win the next elections. In the general elections of May 2010 no party obtained a straight majority which resulted in a hung parliament. As a consequence the party that obtained the highest number of seats (in this case the Conservative Party led by David Cameron which scored 36% of the seats) had to form an aliance with another party (here the Liberal Demoncrats led by Nick Clegg with 23% of the seats). The coalition governement thus had a 79 seats majority in the Commons and the Prime Minister (David Cameron) was assisted by the Deputy Prime Minister (Nick Clegg). 6

History of the House of Lords

History of the House of Lords History of the House of Lords The House of Lords is an essential part of the UK Parliament. It checks and challenges the work of government and considers all legislation. Its long and eventful history

More information

Holyrood and Westminster who does what?

Holyrood and Westminster who does what? Holyrood and Westminster who does what? What is devolution? Devolution is the transfer of powers from a central to a regional authority. In 1999 an Act of the UK Parliament created a Scottish Parliament

More information

Large Print (18 point) Holyrood and Westminster who does what?

Large Print (18 point) Holyrood and Westminster who does what? Large Print (18 point) Holyrood and Westminster who does what? The Scottish Parliament building, Edinburgh This document explains the different roles of the Scottish Parliament and the UK Parliament. What

More information

GUIDE. Guide to the Legal System of the Cayman Islands

GUIDE. Guide to the Legal System of the Cayman Islands GUIDE Guide to the Legal System of the Cayman Islands TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface... 2 Introduction...3 The Cayman Islands Constitution... 3 The Governor......3 The Legislature... 3 The Executive...4 Sources

More information

Freedom of Information Act 2000

Freedom of Information Act 2000 ch3600a00a 02-12-00 01:13:30 ACTA Unit: PAGA Rev RA Proof, 29.11.2000 Freedom of Information Act 2000 CHAPTER 36 ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS Part I Access to information held by public authorities Right to

More information

Legislative Council Secretariat FACT SHEET. Political system of Norway

Legislative Council Secretariat FACT SHEET. Political system of Norway FACT SHEET Political system of Norway 1. Overview 1.1 Norway is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democratic system of governance. The king is the head of state, while the Prime Minister is

More information

Hobbes, Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau on Government

Hobbes, Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau on Government CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS FOUNDATION Bill of Rights in Action 20:2 Hobbes, Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau on Government Starting in the 1600s, European philosophers began debating the question of who should

More information

Types of Democracy. Types of Democracy

Types of Democracy. Types of Democracy Types of Democracy The democratic form of government is an institutional configuration that allows for popular participation through the electoral process. According to political scientist Robert Dahl,

More information

Devolution of Policing & Criminal Justice to Northern Ireland. An Aid for Dialogue. European Union

Devolution of Policing & Criminal Justice to Northern Ireland. An Aid for Dialogue. European Union European Union European Regional Development Fund Investing in your future Devolution of Policing & Criminal Justice to Northern Ireland An Aid for Dialogue Devolution of Policing & Criminal Justice to

More information

Wales Bill EXPLANATORY NOTES. Explanatory notes to the Bill, prepared by the Wales Office, are published separately as Bill 5 EN.

Wales Bill EXPLANATORY NOTES. Explanatory notes to the Bill, prepared by the Wales Office, are published separately as Bill 5 EN. EXPLANATORY NOTES Explanatory notes to the Bill, prepared by the Wales Office, are published separately as Bill EN. EUROPEAN CONVENTION ON HUMAN RIGHTS Secretary Alun Cairns has made the following statement

More information

Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013

Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 CHAPTER 30 Explanatory Notes have been produced to assist in the understanding of this Act and are available separately 10.75 Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 CHAPTER

More information

10 Determination of questions as to validity of presidential elections, etc. 11 Exercise of President s functions during absence, illness, etc.

10 Determination of questions as to validity of presidential elections, etc. 11 Exercise of President s functions during absence, illness, etc. THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA, 1963 (as Amended to 2008) ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS Chapter I The Republic of Kenya Section 1 Declaration of Republic. 1a Political system. 2 Public Seal. 2a (Repealed).

More information

SENATE BILL 698. By Stevens. WHEREAS, pursuant to language proposed to be added to Article VI, Section 3 of the

SENATE BILL 698. By Stevens. WHEREAS, pursuant to language proposed to be added to Article VI, Section 3 of the SENATE BILL 698 By Stevens AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2; Title 4; Title 6; Title 16; Title 17 and Title 38, Chapter 6, relative to judges. WHEREAS, pursuant to language proposed to

More information

Constitutions. It is a brief sketch of the structure of government. It limits government by setting boundaries.

Constitutions. It is a brief sketch of the structure of government. It limits government by setting boundaries. Constitutions What is a constitution? A constitution is the fundamental law of a state by which a system of government is created and from which it derives its power and authority. The fundamental law

More information

Chapter 6: Provinces CHAPTER 6

Chapter 6: Provinces CHAPTER 6 CHAPTER 6 PROVINCES Provinces 103. (1) The Republic has the following provinces: (a) Eastern Cape; (b) Free State; (c) Gauteng; (d) KwaZulu-Natal; (e) Limpopo; (f) Mpumalanga; (g) Northern Cape; (h) North

More information

Background briefing on the Crown Dependencies: Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. The Ministry of Justice Crown Dependencies Branch

Background briefing on the Crown Dependencies: Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. The Ministry of Justice Crown Dependencies Branch Background briefing on the Crown Dependencies: Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man The Ministry of Justice Crown Dependencies Branch Background briefing on the Crown Dependencies (Bailiwick of Jersey,

More information

CONSULTATION RESPONSE BY THOMPSONS SOLICITORS SCOTLAND

CONSULTATION RESPONSE BY THOMPSONS SOLICITORS SCOTLAND CONSULTATION RESPONSE BY THOMPSONS SOLICITORS SCOTLAND SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION ON THE DRAFT ORDER IN COUNCIL FOR THE TRANSFER OF SPECIFIED FUNCTIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNAL TO THE FIRST TIER

More information

Gender Recognition Act 2004

Gender Recognition Act 2004 Gender Recognition Act 2004 CHAPTER 7 CONTENTS Applications for gender recognition certificate 1 Applications 2 Determination of applications 3 Evidence 4 Successful applications 5 Subsequent issue of

More information

The Role of the Attorney- General: an Australian Perspective

The Role of the Attorney- General: an Australian Perspective The Role of the Attorney- General: an Australian Perspective Speech given by Ross Ray QC, President, Law Council of Australia at the International Bar Association Conference, Buenos Aires Monday 13 October

More information

2015 No. 548 (L. 6) MENTAL CAPACITY, ENGLAND AND WALES. The Court of Protection (Amendment) Rules 2015

2015 No. 548 (L. 6) MENTAL CAPACITY, ENGLAND AND WALES. The Court of Protection (Amendment) Rules 2015 S T A T U T O R Y I N S T R U M E N T S 2015 No. 548 (L. 6) MENTAL CAPACITY, ENGLAND AND WALES The Court of Protection (Amendment) Rules 2015 Made - - - - 4th March 2015 Laid before Parliament 9th March

More information

The UK National Health Service in evolution. Sir Jonathan Michael Chief Executive Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust

The UK National Health Service in evolution. Sir Jonathan Michael Chief Executive Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust The UK National Health Service in evolution Sir Jonathan Michael Chief Executive Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust Background of the NHS Established on 5 th July 1948 by post-war Labour government.

More information

Local Government Act 2000

Local Government Act 2000 ch2200a00a 01-08-00 12:27:45 ACTA Unit: PAGa RA Proof, 26.07.2000 Local Government Act 2000 CHAPTER 22 ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS Part I Promotion of economic, social or environmental well-being etc Interpretation

More information

The Structure and Function of the Legislative Branch Notes. Section 1: The Senate and the House of Representatives

The Structure and Function of the Legislative Branch Notes. Section 1: The Senate and the House of Representatives Attachment A The Structure and Function of the Legislative Branch Notes Section 1: The Senate and the House of Representatives The Role of Congress Congress is the lawmaking or legislative body of our

More information

Structure of the judiciary system, 2010-2012

Structure of the judiciary system, 2010-2012 Austria Belgium Denmark Austrian law is based on European traditions and is primarily statute law, with a very limited role played by customary law. The independence of the courts is enshrined in the constitution.

More information

Cyprus Act, 1960 ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS. to the Commonwealth. 7. Short title and interpretation.

Cyprus Act, 1960 ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS. to the Commonwealth. 7. Short title and interpretation. Cyprus Act, 1960 8 & 9 ELIz. 2 CH. 52 ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS Section 1. Establishment of the Republic of Cyprus as an independent sovereign country. 2. The Sovereign Base Areas. 3. Operation of existing

More information

Three Branches of Government Webquest

Three Branches of Government Webquest Name Three Branches of Government Webquest This Webquest has 4 parts: Part 1: Executive Branch Part 2: Legislative Branch Part 3: Judicial Branch Part 4: Branches of Power Game For Parts 1, 2, and 3, you

More information

YEAR 1: Kings, Queens and Leaders (6 lessons)

YEAR 1: Kings, Queens and Leaders (6 lessons) YEAR 1: Kings, Queens and Leaders (6 lessons) Contents Include: The United Kingdom and the Union Jack Kings and Queens The Magna Carta Charles I Parliament The Prime Minister Suggested Teacher Resources:

More information

DAPTO HIGH SCHOOL. YEAR 11 LEGAL STUDIES Preliminary Mid-Course Examination 2009

DAPTO HIGH SCHOOL. YEAR 11 LEGAL STUDIES Preliminary Mid-Course Examination 2009 DAPTO HIGH SCHOOL YEAR 11 LEGAL STUDIES Preliminary Mid-Course Examination 2009 General Instructions: Reading time 5 minutes Working time 1 ½ hours Write using blue or black pen Write your Student Number/Name

More information

Characteristics of Public Budgets in 5 Latin American Countries

Characteristics of Public Budgets in 5 Latin American Countries Characteristics of Public Budgets in 5 Latin American Countries The Latin American Network for Legislative Transparency is a network of civil society organizations in Latin America that promote transparency,

More information

JAPAN. Date of Elections: December 27, 1969. Characteristics of Parliament

JAPAN. Date of Elections: December 27, 1969. Characteristics of Parliament Date of Elections: December 27, 1969 Characteristics of Parliament JAPAN The Japanese Parliament (The Diet) is bicameral, consisting of two Houses: The House of Representatives, composed of members, elected

More information

LAW NO. 40/2006 OF 25 AUGUST 2006 LAW ON THE ORDER OF PRECEDENCE OF THE PROTOCOL OF THE PORTUGUESE STATE

LAW NO. 40/2006 OF 25 AUGUST 2006 LAW ON THE ORDER OF PRECEDENCE OF THE PROTOCOL OF THE PORTUGUESE STATE LAW NO. 40/2006 OF 25 AUGUST 2006 LAW ON THE ORDER OF PRECEDENCE OF THE PROTOCOL OF THE PORTUGUESE STATE Pursuant to Article 161 c) of the Constitution, the Assembly of the Republic decrees the following:

More information

Criminal Injuries Compensation Act 1995 (c. 53)

Criminal Injuries Compensation Act 1995 (c. 53) Criminal Injuries Compensation Act 1995 (c. 53) 1995 c. 53 - continued back to previous page An Act to provide for the establishment of a scheme for compensation for criminal injuries. [8th November 1995]

More information

BERMUDA INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION (TAX INFORMATION EXCHANGE AGREEMENTS) ACT 2005 2005 : 47

BERMUDA INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION (TAX INFORMATION EXCHANGE AGREEMENTS) ACT 2005 2005 : 47 QUO FA T A F U E R N T BERMUDA INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION (TAX INFORMATION EXCHANGE 2005 : 47 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 4A 5 5A 6 6A 7 8 8A 9 10 11 12 Short title Interpretation Duties of the Minister Grounds

More information

Admiralty Court Act, 1840 (British) (3 & 4 Vict, c 65)

Admiralty Court Act, 1840 (British) (3 & 4 Vict, c 65) (3 & 4 Vict, c 65) APPLICABILITY TO SOUTH WEST AFRICA: This law was applied to South West Africa as it stood at 1890 by section 2(2) of Colonial Courts of Admiralty Act, 1890 (British), which was applied

More information

Act of Law 424/1991 Coll., on association in political parties and political movements

Act of Law 424/1991 Coll., on association in political parties and political movements Source: http://www.psp.cz/docs/laws/1991/en/424.html (accessed: April 2009) Act of Law 424/1991 Coll., on association in political parties and political movements Act of Law No. 424/1991 Coll., of October

More information

English Votes for English Laws: An Explanatory Guide to Proposals

English Votes for English Laws: An Explanatory Guide to Proposals English Votes for English Laws: An Explanatory Guide to Proposals July 2015 2 English Votes for English Laws Proposals Introduction The Government has announced plans to change the way legislation is considered

More information

PARLIAMENT OF INDIA MODULE - 3. Objectives. Parliament of India. Structure of Government. Notes

PARLIAMENT OF INDIA MODULE - 3. Objectives. Parliament of India. Structure of Government. Notes Parliament of India 11 PARLIAMENT OF INDIA Y ou have read in the preceding lesson that India has a parliamentary form of government in which the Prime Minister and his Council of Ministers are collectively

More information

Charity Governance in Hong Kong: Some Legal Questions

Charity Governance in Hong Kong: Some Legal Questions Charity Governance in Hong Kong: Some Legal Questions Benny Y. T. TAI Associate Professor Faculty of Law University of Hong Kong Legal Questions Definition of Charity: charitable purposes Political Purpose

More information

Courts (Remote Participation) Bill

Courts (Remote Participation) Bill Courts (Remote Participation) Bill Government Bill Explanatory note General policy statement The purpose of this Bill is to enable greater use of audio-visual links (AVL) in New Zealand courts. Current

More information

Crete-Monee Middle School U.S. Constitution Test Study Guide Answers 2010-2011

Crete-Monee Middle School U.S. Constitution Test Study Guide Answers 2010-2011 Crete-Monee Middle School U.S. Constitution Test Study Guide Answers 2010-2011 1. What is the more common name for the first ten amendments to the constitution? Bill of Rights 2. The introduction to the

More information

Scotland s Future: Draft Referendum (Scotland) Bill Consultation Paper. www.scotland.gov.uk/referendum

Scotland s Future: Draft Referendum (Scotland) Bill Consultation Paper. www.scotland.gov.uk/referendum Scotland s Future: Draft Referendum (Scotland) Bill Consultation Paper www.scotland.gov.uk/referendum Scotland s Future: Draft Referendum (Scotland) Bill Consultation Paper www.scotland.gov.uk/referendum

More information

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE JUDICIAL SALARIES FROM 1 APRIL 2015

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE JUDICIAL SALARIES FROM 1 APRIL 2015 MINISTRY OF JUSTICE JUDICIAL SALARIES FROM 1 APRIL 2015 Salary Group Salaries with effect from 01/04/2015 1 247,112 1.1 220,655 2 213,125 3 202,668 4 177,988 5 142,745 6.1 132,184 6.2 7 106,040 The table

More information

CONSTITUTION. 1.4. No part of the Party may adopt any rule, policy or procedure inconsistent with this Constitution except as required by law.

CONSTITUTION. 1.4. No part of the Party may adopt any rule, policy or procedure inconsistent with this Constitution except as required by law. LIBERAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY CONSTITUTION 1. IDENTITY AND STANDING 1.1. This Constitution identifies and governs the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Australia, including any subordinate bodies, hereafter

More information

Voting and the Scottish Parliament

Voting and the Scottish Parliament Voting and the Scottish Parliament This document tells you how to register to vote, what is involved, and how your vote will count. Did you know that? Elections to the Scottish Parliament will be held

More information

Judicial Independence (And What Everyone Should Know About It) 15 March 2012

Judicial Independence (And What Everyone Should Know About It) 15 March 2012 Court of Appeal of British Columbia Supreme Court of British Columbia Provincial Court of British Columbia Introduction Judicial Independence (And What Everyone Should Know About It) 15 March 2012 The

More information

Italy: toward a federal state? Recent constitutional developments in Italy

Italy: toward a federal state? Recent constitutional developments in Italy BENIAMINO CARAVITA Italy: toward a federal state? Recent constitutional developments in Italy 1. The federal idea in Italian history Italy became a unitary State between 1861 and 1870, assembling under

More information

The Employment Tribunals (Constitution and Rules of Procedure) Regulations 2013

The Employment Tribunals (Constitution and Rules of Procedure) Regulations 2013 STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS 2013 No. 1237 EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNALS The Employment Tribunals (Constitution and Rules of Procedure) Regulations 2013 Made - - - - 28th May 2013 Laid before Parliament 31st May 2013

More information

424/1991 Official Gazette. THE LAW on association within political parties and political movements of October 2 nd 1991

424/1991 Official Gazette. THE LAW on association within political parties and political movements of October 2 nd 1991 Copyrighted translation. Please cite: www.partylaw.leidenuniv.nl Source: http://www.nssoud.cz/zakony/424_1991.pdf (Accessed: August 2012) ASPI System status on 22.01.2012 up to chapter 8/2012 of the Official

More information

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Date of Elections: November 5, 1974 Purpose of Elections Elections were held for all the members of the House of Representatives and one-third (34) of the members of the Senate

More information

Federal, Confederal, and Unitary systems of government

Federal, Confederal, and Unitary systems of government Federal, Confederal, and Unitary systems of government Standard 12.9.3: Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of federal, confederal, and unitary systems of government. The United States government

More information

RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC

RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC Under the terms of Article 175a of the Constitution the Assembly of the Republic hereby passes the following: Rules of Procedure of the Assembly of the

More information

Identity Cards Act 2006

Identity Cards Act 2006 Identity Cards Act 2006 CHAPTER 15 Explanatory Notes have been produced to assist in the understanding of this Act and are available separately 6 50 Identity Cards Act 2006 CHAPTER 15 CONTENTS Registration

More information

National Insurance Contributions Bill

National Insurance Contributions Bill National Insurance Contributions Bill EXPLANATORY NOTES Explanatory notes to the Bill, prepared by the Treasury, are published separately as Bill 112 EN. EUROPEAN CONVENTION ON HUMAN RIGHTS Mr Chancellor

More information

BRITISH MUSEUM ACT 1963

BRITISH MUSEUM ACT 1963 Annex 1 BRITISH MUSEUM ACT 1963 1963 CHAPTER 24 An Act to alter the composition of the Trustees of the British Museum, to provide for the separation from the British Museum of the British Museum (Natural

More information

New criminal offences. England and Wales 1 st June 2009 31 st May 2012 Statistics Bulletin

New criminal offences. England and Wales 1 st June 2009 31 st May 2012 Statistics Bulletin New criminal offences England and Wales 1 st June 2009 31 st May 2012 Statistics Bulletin Preface The Ministry of Justice committed in its 2011-2015 business plan to establish a gateway to scrutinise all

More information

CHARTER ORDINANCE NO. 377

CHARTER ORDINANCE NO. 377 APPENDIX A - CHARTER ORDINANCES NOTE: The charter ordinances included herein are for information only. Each of them contains the substance as adopted by the governing body but enacting clauses, publication

More information

The Local Government Act Page 1 of 61

The Local Government Act Page 1 of 61 The Local Government Act Page 1 of 61 UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATION Act No. 107 of 25 September 1992: Act relating to municipalities and county authorities (the Local Government Act). DATE: Act No. 107 of 25

More information

The Educational Backgrounds of Government Ministers in 2010

The Educational Backgrounds of Government Ministers in 2010 The Educational Backgrounds of Government Ministers in 2010 May 2010 1 Introduction This note provides an analysis of the school and university backgrounds of Government Ministers appointed following the

More information

The Governance of Britain

The Governance of Britain The Governance of Britain Presented to Parliament by the Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor by Command of Her Majesty July 2007 CM 7170 13.50 Crown Copyright 2007 The text in this document

More information

Data Retention and Investigatory Powers Bill

Data Retention and Investigatory Powers Bill Data Retention and Investigatory Powers Bill CONTENTS Retention of relevant communications data 1 Powers for retention of relevant communications data subject to safeguards 2 Section 1: supplementary Investigatory

More information

4. There are three qualifications from becoming a member of the House of Representatives

4. There are three qualifications from becoming a member of the House of Representatives Article I Legislative Branch 1. The job of the legislative branch is to Make laws Name Period Federal Constitution Study Guide 2. The legislative branch is divided into two parts or two houses which are

More information

Myanmar 2015 General Elections Fact Sheet

Myanmar 2015 General Elections Fact Sheet Myanmar 2015 General Elections Fact Sheet International Foundation for Electoral Systems 1850 K Street, NW Fifth Floor Washington, DC 20006 www.ifes.org September 15, 2015 Table of Contents When will the

More information

PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE UK THE CONSERVATIVES PROPOSALS FOR CHANGING BRITAIN S HUMAN RIGHTS LAWS

PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE UK THE CONSERVATIVES PROPOSALS FOR CHANGING BRITAIN S HUMAN RIGHTS LAWS PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE UK THE CONSERVATIVES PROPOSALS FOR CHANGING BRITAIN S HUMAN RIGHTS LAWS HUMAN RIGHTS IN CONTEXT Britain has a long history of protecting human rights at home and standing

More information

BOARD MEETING 26 JANUARY 2016. Professor Nicholas Hopkins, Commissioner for Property, Family and Trust Law

BOARD MEETING 26 JANUARY 2016. Professor Nicholas Hopkins, Commissioner for Property, Family and Trust Law BOARD MEETING 26 JANUARY 2016 Board: Sir David Bean, Chairman Elaine Lorimer, Chief Executive Professor Nicholas Hopkins, Commissioner for Property, Family and Trust Law Stephen Lewis, Commissioner for

More information

We, the Student Body, of the University of South Florida, in order to provide effective

We, the Student Body, of the University of South Florida, in order to provide effective Constitution of the Student Body of the University of South Florida at Tampa We, the Student Body, of the University of South Florida, in order to provide effective student representation before all vested

More information

How To Understand The Constitution Of The United States

How To Understand The Constitution Of The United States APPENDIX C GLOSSARY OF LEGISLATIVE TERMS ACT A bill or measure after it has passed one or both chambers. Also used to denote a law in place. ACTION A description of a step that a bill undergoes as it moves

More information

Three Branches of Government. Lesson 2

Three Branches of Government. Lesson 2 Three Branches of Government The Executive Branch The President of the United States is the leader of the executive branch. The President s duties are to: Enforce federal laws and recommend new ones Serve

More information

Third Parties (Rights against Insurers) Act 2010

Third Parties (Rights against Insurers) Act 2010 Third Parties (Rights against Insurers) Act 2010 CHAPTER 10 CONTENTS Transfer of rights to third parties 1 Rights against insurer of insolvent person etc 2 Establishing liability in England and Wales and

More information

PUBLIC SERVICE ACT 2005. An Act to make provision in respect of the public service of Lesotho and for related matters. PART I - PRELIMINARY

PUBLIC SERVICE ACT 2005. An Act to make provision in respect of the public service of Lesotho and for related matters. PART I - PRELIMINARY PUBLIC SERVICE ACT 2005 An Act to make provision in respect of the public service of Lesotho and for related matters. Enacted by the Parliament of Lesotho Short title and commencement PART I - PRELIMINARY

More information

Rise of the Roman Republic Timeline

Rise of the Roman Republic Timeline Rise of the Roman Republic Timeline 509 BCE: Tarquin the Proud, the last king of Rome, was overthrown by a group of patricians upset over his abuse of power. The Roman Republic was proclaimed. 494 BCE:

More information

Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007

Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 CHAPTER 19 CONTENTS Corporate manslaughter and corporate homicide 1 The offence Relevant duty of care 2 Meaning of relevant duty of care 3 Public

More information

Human Rights Act 1998

Human Rights Act 1998 Human Rights Act 1998 1998 CHAPTER 42 An Act to give further effect to rights and freedoms guaranteed under the European Convention on Human Rights; to make provision with respect to holders of certain

More information

Contents Page Mapping the Path towards Codifying - or Not Codifying - the UK Constitution ROBERT BLACKBURN, PhD, LLD, Solicitor Professor of Constitutional Law Centre for Political and Constitutional

More information

1.2 Distinguish between civil law and criminal law. 1.3 Distinguish between common law and equity

1.2 Distinguish between civil law and criminal law. 1.3 Distinguish between common law and equity Tech Level Unit Title: Level: Level 3 Credit Value: 10 INTRODUCTION TO LAW AND THE LEGAL SYSTEM IN ENGLAND AND WALES Guided Learning Hours 60 Learning outcomes Assessment criteria Knowledge, understanding

More information

The Constitution. Printed on 1 January 2012. together with. Proclamation Declaring the Establishment of the Commonwealth

The Constitution. Printed on 1 January 2012. together with. Proclamation Declaring the Establishment of the Commonwealth The Constitution Printed on 1 January 2012 together with Proclamation Declaring the Establishment of the Commonwealth Letters Patent Relating to the Office of Governor-General Statute of Westminster Adoption

More information

CONSTITUTIONFACTS.COM

CONSTITUTIONFACTS.COM 1. The length of term of members of the House of Representatives is: b. 6 years c. 4 years d. 5 years 2. The Constitutional Convention met in: a. New York b. Philadelphia c. Washington, D.C. d. Boston

More information

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Date of Elections: 4 November 1986 Purpose of Elections Elections were held for all the seats of the House of Representatives and one-third (34) of those of the Senate on the normal

More information

CONTENT OF THE AUDIT LAW

CONTENT OF THE AUDIT LAW CONTENT OF THE AUDIT LAW I. GENERAL PROVISIONS Article 1 This Law shall regulate the conditions for conducting an audit of legal entities which perform activities, seated in the Republic of Macedonia.

More information

Speech by SG at University of Pennsylvania Law School ***********************************************

Speech by SG at University of Pennsylvania Law School *********************************************** Speech by SG at University of Pennsylvania Law School *********************************************** Following is the speech by the Solicitor General, Mr Bob Allcock, on Hong Kong's Unique Constitutional

More information

Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006

Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 CHAPTER 13 Explanatory Notes have been produced to assist in the understanding of this Act and are available separately 6 50 Immigration, Asylum and Nationality

More information

Public Audit (Wales) Act 2004

Public Audit (Wales) Act 2004 Public Audit (Wales) Act 2004 CHAPTER 23 CONTENTS PART 1 AUDITOR GENERAL FOR WALES New functions of the Auditor General for Wales 1 Transfer of functions of Assembly 2 Additional functions of Auditor General

More information

German Civil Code (BGB) - Excepts -

German Civil Code (BGB) - Excepts - Translation provided by the Langenscheidt Translation Service. Translation regularly updatet by Neil Mussett. German Civil Code (BGB) - Excepts - in the version promulgated on 2 January 2002 (Federal Law

More information

DEMOCRACY IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA

DEMOCRACY IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA DEMOCRACY IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA South Australia had little say in how they were governed from the time of official European settlement in 1836 to 1851, when a partly-elected, partly-appointed Legislative

More information

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE AND COMMISSIONERS OF

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE AND COMMISSIONERS OF Page 1 of 8 JUSTICES OF THE PEACE AND COMMISSIONERS OF OATHS 16 OF 1963 [ASSENTED TO 9 MARCH 1963] [DATE OF COMMENCEMENT: 1 DECEMBER 1964] (English text signed by the State President) as amended by General

More information

The Constitution of the Swedish Social Democratic Party

The Constitution of the Swedish Social Democratic Party The Constitution of the Swedish Social Democratic Party Adopted by the party congress of 1997 with amendments decided on by the party congress of 2001 and the standard constitution adopted by the National

More information

CO-OPERATIVE AND COMMUNITY BENEFIT SOCIETIES BILL

CO-OPERATIVE AND COMMUNITY BENEFIT SOCIETIES BILL THE LAW COMMISSION AND THE SCOTTISH LAW COMMISSION (LAW COM No 341) (SCOT LAW COM No 235) CO-OPERATIVE AND COMMUNITY BENEFIT SOCIETIES BILL REPORT ON THE CONSOLIDATION OF LEGISLATION RELATING TO CO-OPERATIVE

More information

Law of Georgia On Normative Acts

Law of Georgia On Normative Acts Published in the Gazette of the Parliament of Georgia (November 19, 1996) Law of Georgia On Normative Acts Chapter I General Provisions Article 1 This Law shall define the types and hierarchy of normative

More information

CHAPTER 7 LOCAL GOVERNMENT

CHAPTER 7 LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHAPTER 7 LOCAL GOVERNMENT Status of municipalities 151. (1) The local sphere of government consists of municipalities, which must be established for the whole of the territory of the Republic. (2) The

More information

THE ARIZONA EXECUTIVE BRANCH

THE ARIZONA EXECUTIVE BRANCH THE ARIZONA EXECUTIVE BRANCH The executive branch is made up of six elected offices: the Governor; Secretary of State; Attorney General; State Treasurer; Superintendent of Public Instruction; and State

More information

The Legislative Process

The Legislative Process The Legislative Process The Colorado Constitution places the power to make laws with the state legislature, the Colorado General Assembly. The General Assembly cannot delegate this power, and no other

More information

Checks and Balances in Single Chamber Parliaments: a Comparative Study

Checks and Balances in Single Chamber Parliaments: a Comparative Study Checks and Balances in Single Chamber Parliaments: a Comparative Study February 1998 Constitution Unit publications can be ordered from the following address: The Constitution Unit School of Public Policy

More information

The Archives and Public Records Management Act

The Archives and Public Records Management Act 1 ARCHIVES AND PUBLIC RECORDS MANAGEMENT c. A-26.11 The Archives and Public Records Management Act being Chapter A-26.11* of The Statutes of Saskatchewan, 2015 (effective August 24, 2015). *NOTE: Pursuant

More information

Academic Standards for Civics and Government

Academic Standards for Civics and Government Academic Standards for June 1, 2009 FINAL Elementary Standards Grades 3-8 Pennsylvania Department of Education These standards are offered as a voluntary resource for Pennsylvania s schools and await action

More information

Energy Act 2013 CHAPTER 32. Explanatory Notes have been produced to assist in the understanding of this Act and are available separately

Energy Act 2013 CHAPTER 32. Explanatory Notes have been produced to assist in the understanding of this Act and are available separately Energy Act 2013 CHAPTER 32 Explanatory Notes have been produced to assist in the understanding of this Act and are available separately Energy Act 2013 CHAPTER 32 CONTENTS PART 1 DECARBONISATION 1 Decarbonisation

More information

APPENDIX A - CHARTER ORDINANCES

APPENDIX A - CHARTER ORDINANCES APPENDIX A - CHARTER ORDINANCES NOTE: The charter ordinances included herein are for information only. Each of them contains the substance as adopted by the governing body but enacting clauses, publication

More information

Language Act (423/2003) The following is enacted in accordance with the decision of Parliament:

Language Act (423/2003) The following is enacted in accordance with the decision of Parliament: NB: Unofficial translation Ministry of Justice, Finland Language Act (423/2003) The following is enacted in accordance with the decision of Parliament: Chapter 1 General provisions Section 1 National languages

More information

Disability Discrimination Act 2005

Disability Discrimination Act 2005 Disability Discrimination Act 2005 CHAPTER 13 Explanatory Notes have been produced to assist in the understanding of this Act and are available separately 7 50 Disability Discrimination Act 2005 CHAPTER

More information

The Constitution: A More Perfect Union

The Constitution: A More Perfect Union The Constitution: A More Perfect Union 9.1 Introduction When the delegates left Independence Hall in September 1787, they each carried a copy of the Constitution. Their task now was to convince their states

More information

CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SENEGAL Adopted on 7 January 2001

CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SENEGAL Adopted on 7 January 2001 CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SENEGAL Adopted on 7 January 2001 The sovereign people of Senegal, PREAMBLE Deeply attached to their fundamental cultural values which constitute the cement of national

More information