Sovereignty of Parliament
The sovereignty of Parliament is the principle that Parliament is the supreme legislative body in the United Kingdom. This means that Parliament has the power to make or unmake any law, and that no other body or person can override its laws.
The doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty was first established in the 17th century, during the English Civil War. At that time, the King, Charles I, was trying to rule without Parliament. However, Parliament eventually won the war and established its own supremacy.
The doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty has been reaffirmed on many occasions since then. In the 19th century, for example, Parliament passed the Parliament Act 1911, which limited the power of the House of Lords to veto legislation. And in the 20th century, Parliament passed the European Communities Act 1972, which gave effect to the United Kingdom’s membership of the European Community.
The doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty is not absolute. In recent years, there have been calls for Parliament to be more accountable to the people. This has led to the introduction of measures such as the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011, which limits the length of Parliaments to five years.
Despite these changes, the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty remains the cornerstone of the British constitution. It is a fundamental principle that ensures that Parliament is the supreme law-making body in the United Kingdom.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty?
The doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty is the principle that Parliament is the supreme legislative body in the United Kingdom. This means that Parliament has the power to make or unmake any law, and that no other body or person can override its laws.
- When was the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty established?
The doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty was first established in the 17th century, during the English Civil War. At that time, the King, Charles I, was trying to rule without Parliament. However, Parliament eventually won the war and established its own supremacy.
- How has the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty been reaffirmed on many occasions since then?
The doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty has been reaffirmed on many occasions since then. In the 19th century, for example, Parliament passed the Parliament Act 1911, which limited the power of the House of Lords to veto legislation. And in the 20th century, Parliament passed the European Communities Act 1972, which gave effect to the United Kingdom’s membership of the European Community.
- Is the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty absolute?
The doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty is not absolute. In recent years, there have been calls for Parliament to be more accountable to the people. This has led to the introduction of measures such as the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011, which limits the length of Parliaments to five years.
- What is the cornerstone of the British constitution?
The doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty is the cornerstone of the British constitution. It is a fundamental principle that ensures that Parliament is the supreme law-making body in the United Kingdom.
MCQs
- The doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty is the principle that:
(a) Parliament is the supreme legislative body in the United Kingdom.
(b) The King is the supreme legislative body in the United Kingdom.
(c) The House of Lords is the supreme legislative body in the United Kingdom.
(d) The Prime Minister is the supreme legislative body in the United Kingdom.
- The doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty was first established in:
(a) The 16th century.
(b) The 17th century.
(c) The 18th century.
(d) The 19th century.
- The doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty has been reaffirmed on many occasions since then, including:
(a) The Parliament Act 1911.
(b) The European Communities Act 1972.
(c) The Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011.
(d) All of the above.
- The doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty is not absolute. This means that:
(a) Parliament can make or unmake any law.
(b) No other body or person can override Parliament’s laws.
(c) Both (a) and (b).
(d) Neither (a) nor (b).
- The cornerstone of the British constitution is:
(a) The doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty.
(b) The rule of law.
(c) The separation of powers.
(d) The Human Rights Act 1998.