Constitutional and Administrative Law Quizzes | Master of Science (MSc) in Law

Question 1

Which of the following is an informal source of constitutional law in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Conventions

Answer

Statutes

Answer

Case law

Answer

Treaties

Question 2

Which of the following accurately describes the nature of British constitutional law and practice?

Accepted Answer

It is primarily based on unwritten common law and established practices.

Accepted Answer

It can be readily modified through Acts of Parliament.

Accepted Answer

Parliament holds ultimate authority in lawmaking, embodying the principle of parliamentary sovereignty.

Answer

The constitution is rigidly protected from alterations.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a source of constitutional law in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

European Union law

Answer

Statute law

Answer

Common law

Answer

Conventions

Question 4

Which of the following is considered a non-formal, yet binding, source of constitutional law in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Conventions

Answer

Acts of Parliament

Answer

Judicial Precedents

Answer

Treaties and International Agreements

Question 5

In the United Kingdom, which principle underpins judicial review of administrative decisions?

Accepted Answer

Scrutiny of lawfulness, not merits

Answer

Limited to central government decisions

Answer

Courts can substitute their own decisions

Answer

Only available for monetary losses

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a formal source of constitutional law in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Conventions

Answer

Acts of Parliament

Answer

Case law

Answer

Treaties

Question 7

Which characteristic defines the devolution settlement in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Establishment of devolved legislatures in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

Answer

Complete transfer of legislative authority to devolved legislatures

Answer

Implementation of a federal governing system

Answer

Abolition of the monarchy

Question 8

Which of the following is a key feature of the Human Rights Act 1998 in relation to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)?

Accepted Answer

It incorporates the ECHR into UK law.

Answer

It creates a new supreme court for the UK that interprets the ECHR.

Answer

It abolishes the monarchy and establishes a republic.

Answer

It gives Parliament the power to override the courts' decisions on human rights issues.

Question 9

In the UK, which statement best describes the relationship between constitutional law and administrative law?

Accepted Answer

Constitutional law prevails over administrative law.

Answer

Administrative law has greater authority than constitutional law.

Answer

Constitutional law and administrative law have equal standing.

Answer

Constitutional law and administrative law are unrelated.

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a direct source of constitutional law in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

International treaties

Answer

Statute law

Answer

Common law

Answer

Royal prerogative

Question 11

In the context of judicial review in the United Kingdom, which principle is NOT applicable?

Accepted Answer

Equity

Answer

Legality

Answer

Reasonableness

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of the UK's constitutional settlement?

Accepted Answer

Strict separation of powers

Answer

Parliamentary sovereignty

Answer

Unitary state structure

Answer

Constitutional monarchy

Question 13

In the United Kingdom, which of the following is NOT a valid ground for applying for judicial review?

Accepted Answer

Political inexpediency

Answer

Error of law

Answer

Breach of natural justice

Answer

Abuse of discretion

Question 14

Within the constitutional framework of the United Kingdom, which of the following is NOT considered a source of constitutional law?

Accepted Answer

International law

Answer

Statute law

Answer

Common law

Answer

Constitutional conventions

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a direct method by which the British Parliament is held accountable to the public?

Accepted Answer

Referendums

Answer

General elections

Answer

Prime Minister's Questions

Question 16

Which of the following is not a primary responsibility of local government in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Setting income tax rates

Answer

Providing primary and secondary education

Answer

Maintaining public highways and roads

Answer

Collecting council tax

Question 17

Which fundamental principle of administrative law requires decision-makers to consider all relevant factors and make decisions that are proportionate to the circumstances of each case?

Accepted Answer

Proportionality

Answer

Natural justice

Answer

Reasonableness

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a source of constitutional law in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

A codified constitution

Answer

Acts of Parliament

Answer

Common law

Answer

Conventions

Question 19

In administrative law, which principle empowers courts to examine administrative decisions primarily for their adherence to legal standards?

Accepted Answer

Courts have the authority to scrutinize administrative decisions based on their legality.

Answer

Courts can only review administrative decisions for reasonableness.

Question 20

In the United Kingdom, which statement best describes the relationship between constitutional law and administrative law?

Accepted Answer

Constitutional law is superior to administrative law, and administrative law must align with constitutional principles.

Answer

Constitutional law and administrative law are entirely separate and unrelated.

Answer

Administrative law is superior to constitutional law, and constitutional law must align with administrative principles.

Answer

Constitutional law and administrative law are synonymous.

Question 21

What is a defining characteristic of the UK's unwritten constitution?

Accepted Answer

It consists of statutes, common law, and conventions.

Answer

It can be easily changed through regular laws.

Answer

It is inferior to the European Convention on Human Rights.

Answer

It has a written constitution.

Question 22

Which of the following is a defining attribute of the United Kingdom's unwritten constitution?

Accepted Answer

It lacks the clarity and certainty found in written constitutions.

Answer

It consists primarily of codified laws.

Answer

It undergoes frequent amendments via established procedures.

Answer

It is readily available to the public and widely distributed.

Question 23

Which of the following is **not** a core principle of administrative law?

Accepted Answer

Transparency

Answer

Natural justice

Answer

Proportionality

Answer

Reasonableness

Question 24

Which fundamental principle underpins the rule of law?

Accepted Answer

All individuals are subject to the law, regardless of their status or position.

Answer

The government has absolute authority to create and enforce laws.

Answer

Laws should apply retroactively, enabling the punishment of past actions.

Question 25

What is a key characteristic of the UK's unwritten constitution?

Accepted Answer

It is more flexible and adaptable than a written constitution.

Answer

It is based on fixed, written principles that cannot be changed.

Answer

It is not a source of legal authority.

Answer

It is easily understood by all citizens.

Question 26

Which method does NOT hold the UK government accountable to Parliament?

Accepted Answer

Judicial Review

Answer

Question Time

Answer

Select Committees

Answer

Backbench Business

Question 27

Who is recognized as the Head of State in the United Kingdom's constitutional system?

Accepted Answer

The Monarch

Answer

The Prime Minister

Answer

The Lord Chancellor

Answer

The Archbishop of Canterbury

Question 28

Which principle within administrative law emphasizes the significance of fair and impartial decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Natural justice

Answer

Proportionality

Answer

Reasonableness

Answer

Legality

Question 29

In the United Kingdom's legal system, which legal remedy enables individuals to challenge the validity of decisions made by public authorities?

Accepted Answer

Judicial review

Answer

Habeas corpus

Answer

Mandamus

Answer

Injunction

Question 30

In the United Kingdom's constitutional system, what is the primary function of the Supreme Court?

Accepted Answer

To interpret and apply the law

Answer

To create new laws

Answer

To advise the government on legal matters

Answer

To appoint judges

Question 31

In the constitutional framework of the United Kingdom, what is the primary function of the monarchy?

Accepted Answer

Head of state

Answer

Head of government

Answer

Chief Justice

Answer

Speaker of the House of Commons

Question 32

In administrative law, the concept of 'natural justice' primarily refers to:

Accepted Answer

The right to a fair and impartial hearing

Answer

The principle of proportionality

Answer

The duty to act reasonably

Answer

The rule of law

Question 33

Which principle of administrative law requires that decisions must be made fairly and impartially?

Accepted Answer

Natural justice

Answer

Proportionality

Answer

Legality

Answer

Reasonableness

Question 34

Which characteristic is NOT applicable to the UK's constitution?

Accepted Answer

Comprehensive

Answer

Unwritten

Answer

Flexible

Answer

Supreme

Question 35

Which of the following best describes the UK constitutional system?

Accepted Answer

Parliament holds ultimate lawmaking authority.

Answer

It is a codified constitution.

Answer

The monarch plays a central role in daily governance.

Answer

Courts can invalidate laws deemed unconstitutional.

Question 36

What is the constitutional role of the monarchy in the UK framework?

Accepted Answer

The monarch is the head of state and symbol of national unity, but has no executive power.

Answer

The monarch has executive power and can make laws.

Answer

The monarch appoints the Prime Minister with absolute discretion.

Answer

The monarch is the head of the judiciary and presides over the Supreme Court.

Question 37

What is the primary role of the courts in the UK constitutional framework?

Accepted Answer

To interpret and apply the law, resolving legal disputes.

Answer

To make laws and policies.

Answer

To appoint government officials.

Answer

To oversee the executive branch.

Question 38

Which of the following is a characteristic of a constitutional monarchy?

Accepted Answer

The monarch shares power with other institutions, such as Parliament.

Answer

The monarch holds absolute power.

Answer

The monarch is elected by the people.

Answer

The monarch is the head of the government, exercising executive authority.

Question 39

What is a key distinction between a statute and a convention in UK constitutional law?

Accepted Answer

A statute is a written law passed by Parliament, while a convention is an unwritten, but binding, rule.

Answer

A convention is a written law passed by Parliament, while a statute is an unwritten rule.

Answer

A statute is binding on everyone, while a convention is not legally enforceable.

Answer

A convention is binding on everyone, while a statute is not.

Question 40

Which of the following is an example of judicial review in UK constitutional law?

Accepted Answer

A court examining the legality of a government decision

Answer

Parliament passing a new law

Answer

The Prime Minister appointing a new cabinet

Answer

The monarch granting a royal pardon

Question 41

In the United Kingdom's constitutional framework, who serves as the head of government?

Accepted Answer

The Prime Minister

Answer

The King

Answer

The Lord Chancellor

Answer

The Speaker of the House of Commons

Question 42

How has the Human Rights Act 1998 affected the balance of power between the UK Parliament and the judiciary?

Accepted Answer

The HRA empowered courts to invalidate laws that violate the European Convention on Human Rights, shifting power towards the judiciary.

Answer

The HRA strengthened Parliament's authority by allowing it to override conflicting laws.

Answer

The HRA has had minimal impact on the relationship between Parliament and the judiciary.

Question 43

Which constitutional document is considered the foundation of the British constitution and a symbol of individual liberties?

Accepted Answer

Magna Carta (1215)

Answer

Bill of Rights (1689)

Answer

Act of Union (1707)

Answer

Constitutional Reform Act (2005)

Question 44

What is the legal mechanism through which the courts can scrutinize and assess the validity of government decisions?

Accepted Answer

Judicial review

Answer

Primary legislation review

Answer

Government accountability inquiry

Answer

International treaty assessment

Question 45

Which of the following is NOT a recognized ground for challenging an administrative decision on the basis of procedural impropriety?

Accepted Answer

Personal inconvenience or hardship

Answer

Lack of fairness and transparency

Answer

Irrationality or unreasonableness

Answer

Illegality or unlawful action

Question 46

The doctrine of legitimate expectation provides individuals with:

Accepted Answer

A legally enforceable right to certain procedural protections

Answer

A guarantee that their desired outcomes will be achieved

Answer

A duty to be consulted before decisions are made

Answer

A remedy for all administrative errors

Question 47

Which of the following best describes the role of the monarchy in the British constitutional framework?

Accepted Answer

Performing primarily symbolic and ceremonial functions

Answer

Exercising absolute political power

Answer

Maintaining complete separation of powers

Answer

Dominating the executive branch of government

Question 48

What is a primary limitation of awarding damages as a judicial remedy to safeguard individual rights from administrative overreach?

Accepted Answer

Damages can be challenging to quantify and may not fully compensate for non-tangible harms.

Answer

Damages are only available in cases of intentional misconduct.

Answer

Damages cannot be enforced against government entities.

Answer

Damages are subject to government appeals, potentially delaying relief for individuals.

Question 49

Which of these is a core principle of natural justice?

Accepted Answer

Impartial decision-making

Answer

Knowledge of applicable laws

Answer

Access to legal representation

Question 50

Which factor played the most significant role in shaping the evolution of the UK's constitutional framework?

Accepted Answer

Power struggles between the monarchy and Parliament

Answer

Influence of Roman Law

Answer

Rise of political parties

Answer

Impact of the American Revolution

Question 51

In the UK's constitutional system, conventions play a crucial role. Explain how they interact with written law and discuss potential areas of tension.

Accepted Answer

Conventions enhance written law by providing flexibility and adaptability to the UK's constitutional system.

Answer

Conventions are irrelevant to the UK's constitutional system, as they are merely informal customs.

Answer

Conventions are strictly enforced like written laws, with legal consequences for non-compliance.

Answer

Conflicts between conventions and written law only occur when the written law explicitly overrides the convention.

Question 52

Evaluate the key arguments for and against the codification of the UK constitution, considering the potential benefits and drawbacks of a written constitution.

Accepted Answer

Codification would enhance the clarity and accessibility of the constitution.

Accepted Answer

Codification would make the constitution more difficult to amend.

Answer

Codification would reduce the judiciary's role in interpreting the constitution.

Answer

Codification would undermine the sovereignty of Parliament.

Question 53

Which of the following is the highest source of law in the UK constitutional framework?

Accepted Answer

Acts of Parliament

Answer

Common law

Answer

Constitutional conventions

Answer

EU law

Question 54

What is the name of the legal principle that the monarch is immune from prosecution for any wrongdoing in their official capacity?

Accepted Answer

Crown immunity

Answer

Supremacy of Parliament

Answer

Natural justice

Answer

Proportionality

Question 55

Which of the following is NOT a primary function of Parliament?

Accepted Answer

To adjudicate disputes

Answer

To represent the people

Answer

To make laws

Answer

To scrutinize government

Question 56

What is the administrative law principle that a decision must be based solely on relevant considerations?

Accepted Answer

Relevance

Answer

Natural justice

Answer

Proportionality

Question 57

Which of the following is a basis for initiating judicial review proceedings?

Accepted Answer

Illegality

Answer

Trespass

Answer

Negligence

Answer

Breach of contract

Question 58

What is the name of the legal remedy that orders a public body to take specific action?

Accepted Answer

Mandamus

Answer

Injunction

Answer

Declaration

Answer

Prohibition

Question 59

Which of the following is a characteristic of a constitutional monarchy?

Accepted Answer

The monarch serves as a ceremonial figurehead, with limited political power.

Answer

The monarch has absolute authority.

Answer

The monarch is elected by the people.

Answer

The monarch is the head of government.

Question 60

What is the legal principle that prohibits a person from adjudicating a matter in which they have a conflict of interest?

Accepted Answer

Nemo judex in causa sua

Answer

Ultra vires

Answer

Habeas corpus

Answer

Res judicata

Question 61

Which of the following types of legislation is created by a government minister under the authority of an Act of Parliament?

Accepted Answer

Statutory instrument

Answer

Case law

Answer

Common law

Answer

Act of Parliament

Question 62

What is the administrative law principle that requires a decision to strike a balance between the harm it causes and its intended benefits?

Accepted Answer

Proportionality

Answer

Relevance

Answer

Natural justice

Answer

Reasonableness

Question 63

Who is the ceremonial head of state and symbol of national unity in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Monarch

Answer

Lord Chancellor

Answer

Prime Minister

Answer

Speaker of the House of Commons

Question 64

Which of the following bodies is responsible for enacting primary legislation in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Parliament

Answer

Government

Answer

Courts

Answer

Monarch