Constitutional Law Quizzes: Test Your Knowledge

Question 1

Which right is protected under the European Convention on Human Rights?

Accepted Answer

Right to life

Answer

Right to bear arms

Answer

Right to drive a car

Question 2

What is the significance of the doctrine of precedent in the UK legal system?

Accepted Answer

It ensures consistency in court decisions and the development of common law.

Answer

The idea that the UK constitution is written down in a single document.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a source of law in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Religious teachings

Answer

Legislation (statutes)

Answer

Judicial decisions

Answer

Customary law

Question 4

Which statement best describes the role of the monarch in the UK's constitutional monarchy?

Accepted Answer

The monarch is the head of state but has limited political power.

Answer

The monarch is the supreme ruler with absolute power.

Question 5

What is the distinction between a statute and a statutory instrument?

Accepted Answer

Statutes are made by Parliament, while statutory instruments are made by the government.

Answer

Statutory instruments are passed by Parliament, while statutes are made by the government.

Question 6

What are the primary responsibilities of the UK's Lord Chancellor?

Accepted Answer

Speaker of the House of Lords and Head of the judiciary

Answer

Head of the judiciary

Question 7

Which feature is characteristic of a codified constitution?

Accepted Answer

Authored in a single document.

Answer

Subject to easy amendment.

Answer

Superior to all other laws.

Answer

Unaffected by judicial interpretation.

Question 8

What is the primary purpose of the separation of powers principle?

Accepted Answer

Prevents excessive concentration of power within a single government branch.

Answer

Ensures equal representation for all branches of government.

Answer

Safeguards citizens' rights from government encroachment.

Answer

Establishes Parliament's dominance.

Question 9

Which principle is central to the Human Rights Act 1998?

Accepted Answer

Incorporation of the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law.

Answer

Protection against age-based discrimination.

Answer

Government's power to override certain human rights in exceptional circumstances.

Answer

Guarantee of a fair trial for all.

Question 10

What is the primary function of the judiciary in the UK's constitutional framework?

Accepted Answer

Interpretation and application of the law.

Answer

Creation of new laws.

Answer

Enforcement of the separation of powers.

Answer

Provision of constitutional advice to the government.

Question 11

What is the significance of the Bill of Rights 1689?

Accepted Answer

Both (a) and (c).

Answer

Curtailing the monarch's powers.

Answer

Establishing Parliament's supremacy.

Answer

Protecting individual rights.

Question 12

Who holds the position as Head of the Judiciary in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Lord Chancellor.

Answer

Speaker of the House of Commons.

Answer

Prime Minister.

Answer

Leader of the Opposition.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a key impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 on human rights protection in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Creation of a new Supreme Court as the highest court of appeal

Answer

Incorporation of the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law

Answer

Extension of human rights protections to individuals and organizations

Answer

Abolition of the death penalty for murder

Question 14

Explain the concept of the rule of law and its significance in the UK's constitutional system.

Accepted Answer

The rule of law ensures that all individuals, including government officials, are subject to the same laws and legal processes.

Answer

The rule of law grants the government absolute power as long as it has the support of Parliament.

Answer

The rule of law is a novel concept recently integrated into the UK's constitutional system.

Answer

The rule of law is not applicable to the UK's constitutional system.

Question 15

In what ways has the European Union influenced the UK's constitutional arrangements?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced the supremacy of EU law over national law

Accepted Answer

Reduced the role of the UK Parliament in law-making

Accepted Answer

Strengthened the protection of individual rights and freedoms

Accepted Answer

Weakened the UK's sovereignty

Question 16

What was the main effect of the Human Rights Act 1998 on the UK legal system?

Accepted Answer

It strengthened the protection of human rights for UK citizens.

Answer

It reduced the power of the UK Parliament.

Answer

It made UK courts answerable to the European Court of Human Rights.

Question 17

Who is the figurehead of the UK?

Accepted Answer

The Monarch

Answer

The Prime Minister

Answer

The Speaker of the House of Commons

Answer

The Lord Chancellor

Question 18

What is the primary function of the Human Rights Act 1998?

Accepted Answer

To incorporate the provisions of the European Convention of Human Rights within UK national law

Answer

To abolish capital punishment in the UK

Answer

To establish the Supreme Court

Question 19

Which of the following best describes one of the key purposes of judicial review?

Accepted Answer

To allow courts to scrutinize the legality of executive decisions

Answer

To exclusively challenge criminal convictions

Answer

To be exclusively available to specific individuals

Question 20

What is a defining characteristic of a constitutional monarchy?

Accepted Answer

Exists to limit the power of the monarch and ensure adherence to the Constitution

Answer

To solely fulfill a ceremonial role

Answer

To enhance the monarch's democratic legitimacy

Question 21

Which of the following is a potential advantage of a flexible constitution?

Accepted Answer

Ability to adapt to changing circumstances more easily

Answer

More democratic in nature

Answer

More challenging to amend

Question 22

Within the UK constitutional framework, what is the primary responsibility of the Supreme Court?

Accepted Answer

To interpret the law and determine its constitutionality

Answer

To enact new laws

Answer

To appoint judges to lower courts