Parliamentary Sovereignty: The Ultimate Guide for Sixth Form Law Students

Question 1

What is the principle that grants Parliament the supreme power to make and unmake any law within its jurisdiction?

Accepted Answer

Parliamentary sovereignty

Answer

Constitutional sovereignty

Answer

Judicial supremacy

Answer

Rule of law

Question 2

Which landmark case established the principle that Parliament can overturn EU law?

Accepted Answer

R (Miller) v Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union

Answer

Factortame

Answer

Marbury v Madison

Answer

Brown v Board of Education

Question 3

What is the primary role of the courts in relation to parliamentary sovereignty?

Accepted Answer

To interpret laws passed by Parliament

Answer

To ensure that Parliament does not exceed its powers

Answer

To create new laws

Answer

To overturn laws passed by Parliament

Question 4

The European Communities Act 1972:

Accepted Answer

Incorporated EU law into UK law

Answer

Established the principle of parliamentary sovereignty over EU law

Answer

Gave Parliament the power to make laws that were inconsistent with EU law

Answer

Repealed all previous Acts of Parliament relating to EU law

Question 5

Which of the following cases established the principle that Parliament cannot bind its successors?

Accepted Answer

Case of Proclamations

Answer

Stockdale v Hansard

Answer

Madzimbamuto v Lardner-Burke

Answer

Factortame (No. 2)

Question 6

What is the significance of the 'secession referendum' in relation to parliamentary sovereignty?

Accepted Answer

It demonstrated that Parliament's sovereignty is limited by the will of the people

Answer

It established that Parliament can delegate its sovereignty to other bodies

Answer

It showed that Parliament's sovereignty is absolute and cannot be challenged

Answer

It had no impact on the principle of parliamentary sovereignty

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental characteristic of parliamentary sovereignty?

Accepted Answer

The authority to unilaterally withdraw from international treaties

Answer

The authority to enact and repeal any law

Answer

The ability to override court decisions

Answer

The power to restrict the authority of the executive branch

Question 8

What is the significance of A. V. Dicey's doctrine regarding parliamentary sovereignty?

Accepted Answer

It established Parliament's supremacy over all other branches of government

Answer

It limited Parliament's ability to modify the constitution

Answer

It introduced the concept of judicial review

Answer

It abolished the monarchy

Question 9

How has the United Kingdom's membership in the European Union impacted the principle of parliamentary sovereignty?

Accepted Answer

It has diminished parliamentary sovereignty

Answer

It has reinforced parliamentary sovereignty

Answer

It has had no discernible impact on parliamentary sovereignty

Answer

It has abolished parliamentary sovereignty

Question 10

How is parliamentary sovereignty distinct from the concept of popular sovereignty?

Accepted Answer

Parliamentary sovereignty is a legal concept, while popular sovereignty is a political concept

Answer

Parliamentary sovereignty is absolute, while popular sovereignty is limited

Answer

Popular sovereignty is absolute, while parliamentary sovereignty is limited

Answer

Parliamentary sovereignty and popular sovereignty are synonymous

Question 11

How has the Human Rights Act impacted the principle of parliamentary sovereignty in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

It has weakened parliamentary sovereignty

Answer

It has strengthened parliamentary sovereignty

Answer

It has had no discernible impact on parliamentary sovereignty

Answer

It has abolished parliamentary sovereignty

Question 12

Which of the following is a fundamental characteristic of parliamentary sovereignty?

Accepted Answer

The supremacy of Parliament over all other institutions within the UK

Answer

The requirement for a supermajority to pass legislation

Answer

The power of the courts to declare legislation unconstitutional

Answer

The inability of Parliament to bind its successors

Question 13

The principle that Parliament cannot bind future Parliaments is known as:

Accepted Answer

The doctrine of implied repeal

Answer

The rule of law

Answer

The principle of natural justice

Answer

The separation of powers

Question 14

What was the primary significance of the Parliament Acts of 1911 and 1949?

Accepted Answer

They severely limited the power of the House of Lords to delay or veto legislation

Answer

They introduced the principle of judicial review

Answer

They extended the franchise to all adults

Answer

They abolished the monarchy

Question 15

What is a key potential drawback of parliamentary sovereignty?

Accepted Answer

It can undermine fundamental rights and freedoms

Answer

It makes it difficult to hold the government accountable

Answer

It complicates the relationship between the UK and other nations

Answer

It stifles innovation and progress

Question 16

Which of the following is a potential implication of parliamentary sovereignty?

Accepted Answer

Parliament can alter or abolish any law, including those that protect fundamental rights

Answer

Individuals have a set of fundamental rights that cannot be removed by Parliament

Answer

Parliament cannot change the composition of the House of Lords

Answer

The courts have the power to review legislation and declare it unconstitutional

Question 17

How does international law interact with parliamentary sovereignty?

Accepted Answer

Parliament can incorporate international law into UK law, but it can also choose to ignore or override it

Answer

International law is automatically superior to UK law and overrides any conflicting domestic legislation

Answer

International law has no effect on UK law unless it is specifically incorporated by Parliament

Answer

International law can only be incorporated into UK law if it is approved by the courts

Question 18

In the context of the UK's unwritten constitution, parliamentary sovereignty means that:

Accepted Answer

Parliament can change or repeal any part of the constitution without any special procedure

Answer

The courts have the power to interpret the constitution and strike down legislation that violates it

Answer

The constitution is fixed and cannot be changed by Parliament

Answer

Parliament must follow strict procedures to amend the constitution

Question 19

According to A.V. Dicey's formulation, parliamentary sovereignty means that:

Accepted Answer

Parliament can make or unmake any law, regardless of its subject matter.

Answer

Parliament cannot pass laws that violate fundamental human rights.

Answer

Parliament's power is limited by international law.

Answer

The courts have the power to strike down Acts of Parliament.

Question 20

The European Communities Act 1972:

Accepted Answer

Incorporated EU law into UK law, giving it supremacy in certain areas.

Answer

Introduced devolution for Scotland and Wales.

Answer

Abolished the House of Lords.

Question 21

The Human Rights Act 1998:

Accepted Answer

Incorporated the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law.

Answer

Established the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom.

Answer

Gave EU law supremacy over UK law in all areas.

Question 22

A practical implication of parliamentary sovereignty is that:

Accepted Answer

The government can pass any legislation it wants, provided it has a majority in Parliament.

Answer

The courts have the final say on the meaning of the law.

Answer

The UK constitution can be easily amended.