Parliamentary Sovereignty: Meaning and Implications - Constitutional Law Quiz

Question 1

According to the principle of parliamentary sovereignty, what is the courts' primary responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Interpreting and applying laws passed by Parliament

Answer

Enforcing laws passed by Parliament

Answer

Creating new laws

Answer

Overturning laws passed by Parliament

Question 2

Which of the following accurately defines parliamentary sovereignty?

Accepted Answer

The exclusive authority of Parliament to enact or repeal any law it deems necessary.

Answer

The supreme power of the Crown in Parliament.

Answer

The principle that courts must defer to the decisions of Parliament, even if they perceive them as unconstitutional.

Answer

The right of citizens to petition the government for redress of grievances.

Question 3

According to A.V. Dicey's perspective on parliamentary sovereignty, which of the following is NOT an implication?

Accepted Answer

International law is superior to domestic law.

Answer

Parliament can make or unmake any law it wishes.

Answer

The courts cannot question the validity of Acts of Parliament.

Answer

The Crown cannot veto Acts of Parliament.

Question 4

Which landmark case established the principle that courts cannot question the validity of Acts of Parliament?

Accepted Answer

Case of Proclamations

Answer

Marbury v. Madison

Answer

Roe v. Wade

Answer

Heydon's Case

Question 5

What is the role of constitutional conventions in relation to parliamentary sovereignty?

Accepted Answer

They constrain the exercise of parliamentary power, despite not being legally enforceable.

Answer

They are legally enforceable rules that limit parliamentary sovereignty.

Answer

They have no impact on parliamentary sovereignty.

Answer

They are only applicable to the monarchy and do not affect Parliament's powers.

Question 6

What is the significance of the Parliament Acts 1911 and 1949 in relation to parliamentary sovereignty?

Accepted Answer

They significantly reduced the power of the House of Lords.

Answer

They established the supremacy of the House of Commons.

Answer

They abolished the monarchy and established a republic.

Answer

They extended the franchise to all adults.

Question 7

Explain the historical development of the concept of parliamentary sovereignty in the United Kingdom.

Accepted Answer

Parliamentary sovereignty emerged in the 17th century as a response to the perceived excessive power of the monarchy.

Answer

Parliamentary sovereignty is a relatively recent concept, originating in the 19th century alongside the rise of democratic ideals.

Answer

The concept of parliamentary sovereignty has remained largely unchanged since its initial formulation.

Answer

Parliamentary sovereignty originated in the medieval era and has evolved gradually over the centuries.

Question 8

Which of the following is a disadvantage of parliamentary sovereignty?

Accepted Answer

Limited Accountability

Answer

Flexibility

Answer

Clarity

Question 9

Which statement best defines the concept of parliamentary sovereignty in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Parliament has the absolute power to make and unmake any laws, and no other body has greater authority.

Answer

Parliament can only make laws on specific topics, such as taxes and defense.

Answer

Courts can review Parliament's laws to ensure they comply with a higher constitutional authority.

Answer

Parliament's laws must align with international law.

Question 10

Which statement best defines the principle of parliamentary sovereignty in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Parliament can make or repeal any law, and its decisions cannot be overruled.

Answer

Parliament must follow international law and the European Convention on Human Rights.

Answer

Courts can declare laws passed by Parliament as invalid.

Question 11

Which landmark case established the principle that courts will not challenge the validity of an Act of Parliament?

Accepted Answer

Pickin v British Railways Board

Answer

Entick v Carrington

Answer

Marbury v Madison

Answer

Liversidge v Anderson

Question 12

Explain the significance of the Parliament Acts of 1911 and 1949:

Accepted Answer

They reduced the House of Lords' power to veto legislation

Answer

They abolished the House of Lords

Answer

They codified the principle of parliamentary sovereignty

Question 13

Distinguish between 'legal sovereignty' and 'political sovereignty':

Accepted Answer

Legal sovereignty involves the power to make and unmake laws, while political sovereignty refers to the ability to control the government

Answer

Legal sovereignty resides in the courts, whereas political sovereignty resides in Parliament

Question 14

Which consequence is NOT a result of parliamentary sovereignty?

Accepted Answer

Courts can nullify legislation that conflicts with the European Convention on Human Rights

Answer

Parliament can extend voting rights

Answer

Parliament can abolish the monarchy

Question 15

Define the 'Sewel Convention':

Accepted Answer

The UK Parliament generally refrains from legislating on matters devolved to the Scottish Parliament

Answer

The UK Parliament refrains from legislating on matters devolved to the Welsh Assembly

Question 16

Identify a critique of the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty:

Accepted Answer

It lacks democratic accountability as it lacks mechanisms to limit Parliament's power

Answer

It is impractical as it is impossible to anticipate all legislative consequences

Answer

It is redundant because courts protect individual rights

Question 17

What is the defining characteristic of parliamentary sovereignty in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Parliament has unlimited power to create and repeal laws.

Answer

Parliament's laws must align with fundamental rights and principles.

Answer

Parliament's sovereignty is limited by international commitments.

Answer

Parliament's laws can be overturned by the courts under the Human Rights Act.

Question 18

The doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty signifies that:

Accepted Answer

Parliament possesses the authority to enact or repeal any legislation.

Answer

The UK constitution is a codified document.

Answer

The courts hold the power to declare statutes invalid.

Question 19

What is the significance of the Entrenchment Clause within the Scotland Act 1998?

Accepted Answer

It restricts the ability of the UK Parliament to legislate on specific matters without the consent of the Scottish Parliament.

Answer

It establishes the Scottish Parliament as an autonomous entity.

Question 20

Which of the following is a potential criticism of the principle of parliamentary sovereignty?

Accepted Answer

It can potentially lead to the tyranny of the majority.

Answer

It offers a coherent and stable legal framework.

Answer

It ensures accountability of the government to the people.

Answer

It promotes economic growth and prosperity.

Question 21

Which of the following distinguishes the UK's parliamentary sovereignty from the US's system of judicial review?

Accepted Answer

In the US, the judiciary has the authority to invalidate legislation deemed unconstitutional.

Answer

In the UK, Parliament is the supreme law-making body.

Answer

In the US, the constitution is a codified document.

Question 22

The principle of parliamentary sovereignty is most closely associated with which legal theorist?

Accepted Answer

A.V. Dicey

Answer

Thomas Hobbes

Answer

John Locke

Answer

Jeremy Bentham

Question 23

The principle of parliamentary sovereignty is considered:

Accepted Answer

A cornerstone of the UK constitution.

Answer

A provisional measure that will eventually be abolished.

Answer

A novel development in constitutional law.

Answer

A legal fiction.

Question 24

The doctrine that Parliament possesses the exclusive and unfettered power to make or repeal any law is known as:

Accepted Answer

Absolute legislative supremacy

Answer

Judicial supremacy

Answer

Common law supremacy

Answer

Executive supremacy

Question 25

Which of the following landmark cases established that Parliament can enact legislation that retroactively changes the law?

Accepted Answer

Anisminic Ltd v Foreign Compensation Commission

Answer

Marbury v Madison

Answer

Factortame Ltd v Secretary of State for Transport

Answer

Miller v Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union

Question 26

According to the principle of parliamentary sovereignty, which of the following is true?

Accepted Answer

The courts cannot declare Acts of Parliament to be invalid

Answer

Parliamentary sovereignty is limited by the common law

Answer

The courts have the power to strike down Acts of Parliament that violate fundamental rights

Question 27

The historical roots of parliamentary sovereignty in the UK can be traced back to:

Accepted Answer

The Glorious Revolution of 1688

Answer

The American Revolution

Answer

The Magna Carta

Answer

The French Revolution

Question 28

Which of the following Acts of Parliament significantly expanded the scope of parliamentary sovereignty?

Accepted Answer

Parliament Acts of 1911 and 1949

Answer

European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018

Answer

Constitutional Reform Act 2005

Answer

Human Rights Act 1998

Question 29

The concept that Parliament has the authority to make or unmake any law, regardless of its content, is known as:

Accepted Answer

Legal omnipotence

Answer

Judicial review

Answer

Legislative discretion

Answer

Constitutional supremacy

Question 30

The view that parliamentary sovereignty is essential for democracy is primarily associated with which theorist?

Accepted Answer

A.V. Dicey

Answer

Thomas Hobbes

Answer

John Locke

Question 31

What is the historical basis for the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty?

Accepted Answer

The Glorious Revolution of 1688

Answer

The Bill of Rights

Answer

The Magna Carta

Answer

The Petition of Right

Question 32

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

Accepted Answer

To interpret legislation and to ensure that it is applied consistently

Answer

To strike down legislation that they deem to be unconstitutional

Answer

To advise Parliament on matters of law

Question 33

What is the difference between the declaratory theory and the imperative theory of parliamentary sovereignty?

Accepted Answer

The declaratory theory states that Parliament has sovereignty because it is the supreme law-making body in the UK, while the imperative theory states that Parliament has sovereignty because it is the only body that can make or change the law

Answer

The declaratory theory states that Parliament has sovereignty because it is the oldest law-making body in the UK, while the imperative theory states that Parliament has sovereignty because it is the most powerful law-making body in the UK

Question 34

Which of the following Acts of Parliament is considered to be a constitutional statute?

Accepted Answer

The Human Rights Act 1998

Answer

The Representation of the People Act 1983

Answer

The European Communities Act 1972

Answer

The Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984

Question 35

What is the significance of the Parliament Acts 1911 and 1949?

Accepted Answer

They reduced the power of the House of Lords to delay or block legislation passed by the House of Commons

Answer

They increased the number of members of the House of Commons

Question 36

What is the core principle of parliamentary sovereignty in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Parliament has the ultimate authority to create or abolish any law it desires.

Answer

The courts have the power to invalidate laws passed by Parliament.

Answer

The monarch retains the power to veto laws passed by Parliament.

Question 37

The significance of the *Entick v Carrington* (1765) case lies in its establishment of which principle?

Accepted Answer

The courts can enforce parliamentary sovereignty by challenging executive actions that lack legal authorization.

Answer

Parliament possesses the authority to delegate law-making powers to the executive branch.

Question 38

The term 'legal supremacy' when applied to parliamentary sovereignty signifies that:

Accepted Answer

Parliament's laws constitute the highest form of law within the UK legal system.

Answer

The executive branch is subordinate to the judicial branch.

Answer

Parliament holds supreme authority in all matters, including moral issues.

Question 39

The *Factortame Ltd v Secretary of State for Transport* (1990) case centered around the question of whether:

Accepted Answer

EU law could override UK law.

Answer

The executive branch could override parliamentary legislation.

Answer

Parliament could bind future Parliaments.

Answer

Courts could review the legality of parliamentary legislation.

Question 40

What is the impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 on parliamentary sovereignty?

Accepted Answer

The Human Rights Act 1998 doesn't directly challenge parliamentary sovereignty but requires courts to interpret UK law in alignment with the European Convention on Human Rights.

Answer

The Human Rights Act 1998 effectively abolished parliamentary sovereignty.

Question 41

What is a 'convention' in the UK constitution?

Accepted Answer

A rule of political practice that lacks legal enforceability but is generally observed.

Answer

A decision rendered by the courts.

Answer

A law enacted by Parliament.

Question 42

What does the 'Sewel Convention' stipulate?

Accepted Answer

The UK Parliament will refrain from legislating on devolved matters without the consent of the Scottish Parliament.

Answer

The Scottish Parliament possesses the power to repeal UK legislation.

Question 43

Why is the principle of 'entrenchment' generally considered incompatible with parliamentary sovereignty?

Accepted Answer

It implies that Parliament cannot bind future Parliaments by requiring a specific procedure for amending or repealing a law.

Answer

Parliament can delegate law-making power to the executive branch.