Constitutional law worksheet with answers

In the UK, after a bill passes both Houses of Parliament, it becomes an Act when it receives:

1. AJudicial approval
2. BRoyal Assent
3. CA referendum vote
4. DCabinet confirmation

Which body adopts laws in a parliamentary democracy?

1. AThe police
2. BThe legislature (parliament)
3. CThe supreme court
4. DThe prime minister alone

The principle of legality in public law means that a public authority:

1. ACan ignore laws during weekends
2. BNeeds a legal basis for its actions, especially when interfering with rights
3. CCan act freely unless a statute expressly prohibits the particular action taken
4. DMust always be elected

A chief constable is dismissed without being told the charges or given a chance to respond. In Ridge v Baldwin, the House of Lords held:

1. AThe dismissal was valid, as it was an administrative decision
2. BOnly Parliament could review the decision
3. CThe dismissal was valid, because the police had no contract
4. DThe dismissal was void for breach of natural justice

A minister refuses to refer a complaint to a committee because the result might embarrass the government. In Padfield v Minister of Agriculture, the House of Lords held:

1. AThe minister had unlimited discretion
2. BOnly Parliament could question the minister
3. CThe refusal was unlawful, as it frustrated the purpose of the Act
4. DThe refusal was lawful, since the Act imposed no duty to give reasons

Under the UK Human Rights Act 1998, if a court cannot read an Act compatibly with Convention rights, it can:

1. ARefer the case to the European Court of Human Rights automatically
2. BStrike down the Act immediately
3. COrder Parliament to amend the Act within a month
4. DMake a declaration of incompatibility, leaving the Act in force

The government introduces high fees for bringing claims to employment tribunals, and the number of claims falls sharply. In R (UNISON) v Lord Chancellor (2017), the Supreme Court held:

1. AThe fees breached only EU competition law
2. BThe fees were lawful because Parliament authorised fees
3. CThe fees were lawful because users of the courts must pay for them
4. DThe fees were unlawful because they prevented access to justice

The Constitutional Reform Act 2005 changed the office of Lord Chancellor so that:

1. AThe Lord Chancellor gained power to dismiss judges
2. BThe office was abolished completely
3. CThe Lord Chancellor became President of the Supreme Court and head of the judiciary in England
4. DThe Lord Chief Justice, not the Lord Chancellor, is head of the judiciary in England and Wales