Parliamentary Sovereignty: The Ultimate Guide for Law Students

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT considered a limit on parliamentary sovereignty in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Acts of the Scottish Parliament

Answer

Treaties ratified by the UK

Answer

Established principles of international law

Answer

Constitutional conventions

Question 2

The Dicey-Bagehot theory of parliamentary sovereignty emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

The absolute legislative power of Parliament

Answer

The role of political parties in controlling government

Answer

The importance of judicial review in limiting government power

Answer

The supremacy of the executive branch

Question 3

Which legal principle allows a later statute to implicitly repeal an earlier statute?

Accepted Answer

Implied repeal

Answer

Express repeal

Answer

Common law abrogation

Answer

Constitutional supremacy

Question 4

What was the primary purpose of the Parliament Act 1911?

Accepted Answer

To limit the power of the House of Lords to veto legislation

Answer

To establish the supremacy of the House of Commons

Answer

To introduce a written constitution for the UK

Answer

To abolish the royal assent

Question 5

What is the main purpose of the Human Rights Act 1998 in the UK?

Accepted Answer

To incorporate the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law

Answer

To create a new supreme court for the UK

Answer

To abolish capital punishment

Answer

To establish a written constitution

Question 6

Which of the following is the highest court in the UK?

Accepted Answer

The Supreme Court

Answer

The Court of Appeal

Answer

The High Court

Answer

The Crown Court

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

To interpret and apply parliamentary statutes

Answer

To strike down laws that are unconstitutional

Answer

To advise Parliament on legal matters

Answer

To enforce parliamentary resolutions

Question 8

How can an Act of Parliament be repealed?

Accepted Answer

By a later Act of Parliament

Answer

By a resolution of the House of Commons

Answer

By a referendum

Answer

By a court order

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT generally considered a limitation on parliamentary sovereignty?

Accepted Answer

The need for public support

Answer

The rule of law

Answer

International law

Answer

The European Convention on Human Rights

Question 10

Identify the source of parliamentary sovereignty that is NOT included in the list:

Accepted Answer

International law

Answer

Common law

Answer

Constitutional conventions

Answer

Statutory law

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

They limited the powers of the House of Lords in relation to legislation.

Answer

They entrenched certain fundamental constitutional principles.

Answer

They established a fixed-term Parliament.

Answer

They abolished the monarchy.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a commonly cited argument in favour of parliamentary sovereignty?

Accepted Answer

It undermines economic stability.

Answer

It ensures government accountability to the people.

Answer

It facilitates the swift and decisive implementation of laws.

Answer

It safeguards the rights of minorities.

Question 13

Which statement best reflects the current status of parliamentary sovereignty in the UK?

Accepted Answer

It is subject to certain limitations, including the rule of law and international obligations.

Answer

It remains absolute and unrestricted.

Answer

It is in a state of decline.

Answer

It is expected to be abolished in the foreseeable future.

Question 14

How do constitutional conventions shape the exercise of parliamentary sovereignty in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Constitutional conventions limit Parliament's powers, dictating how it can use them.

Answer

Constitutional conventions expand Parliament's powers, granting it additional authority.

Answer

Constitutional conventions have no impact on Parliament's sovereignty as they lack legal force.

Question 15

How does the judiciary maintain the balance between upholding parliamentary sovereignty and potentially limiting its reach?

Accepted Answer

The judiciary can declare parliamentary legislation incompatible with the Human Rights Act 1998, thereby limiting its scope.

Answer

The judiciary has no role in restricting parliamentary sovereignty.

Answer

The judiciary can nullify any parliamentary law it considers unconstitutional.

Answer

The judiciary can only uphold parliamentary sovereignty if it aligns with the principles of natural justice.

Question 16

The case of Factortame v Secretary of State for Transport demonstrated that:

Accepted Answer

Parliament may be constrained by international obligations.

Answer

The concept of parliamentary sovereignty is merely a legal fiction.

Answer

The EU possesses supreme authority over the UK Parliament.

Question 17

Which landmark case exemplifies the judiciary's role in limiting parliamentary sovereignty?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Marbury v Madison.

Answer

Donoghue v Stevenson.

Question 18

Which of the following is a characteristic of parliamentary sovereignty?

Accepted Answer

It is the supreme law-making body in the UK.

Answer

It is subject to international law.

Answer

It is limited by the rights of individuals.

Answer

It can only make laws that comply with the Constitution.

Question 19

The case of "Entick v Carrington" established the principle that:

Accepted Answer

Parliament cannot authorize the executive to search private property without a warrant.

Answer

The courts have a role in interpreting the law.

Answer

Parliament can delegate its law-making powers to other bodies.

Answer

Parliament can legislate retrospectively.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

The government may take actions that would otherwise be unlawful.

Answer

Parliamentary debates are always held in private.

Answer

The courts have no power to review the validity of legislation.

Answer

Citizens have no legal rights against the government.

Question 21

The principle of parliamentary sovereignty is based on the idea of:

Accepted Answer

Popular sovereignty

Answer

Customary law

Answer

Divine right

Answer

Judicial restraint

Question 22

The doctrine of "inherent competence" states that:

Accepted Answer

Parliament has the power to make laws on any subject matter.

Answer

Parliament can only make laws that are approved by the courts.

Answer

Parliament can only make laws that are necessary to protect national security.

Answer

Parliament can only make laws that are consistent with international law.