Written and unwritten constitution - SS1 Government Past Questions and Answers - page 1

Written constitution

Unwritten constitution

United Kingdom

Unwritten constitution

Written constitution

A written constitution is a formal document that clearly sets out the rules and principles of a country, while an unwritten constitution is based on a combination of laws, customs, traditions, and conventions. Written constitution is codified and easily accessible, while an unwritten constitution is not formalized and can be difficult to interpret.

The United Kingdom is an example of a country with an unwritten constitution. It is based on a combination of laws, customs, traditions, and conventions, and it evolves over time. For example, the role of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet is not clearly defined in any one document, but rather has developed over time through tradition and practice. The UK also has a constitutional monarchy, where the monarch serves as a figurehead and ceremonial head of state, but has limited powers in government.