British Constitution
Try Life in the UK The British Constitution is an unwritten and flexible set of laws and principles that govern the country. It blends statute law, common law, and traditions that have evolved over centuries.
| SN | Date | Event/Name | Important Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Early 19th century | Voting Rights | Only men over 21 with property could vote. |
| 2 | 1830s-1840s | Chartist Movement | Campaigned for six reforms: universal male suffrage, annual elections, equal electoral regions, secret ballots, MP candidacy for any man, and paid MPs. Seen as a failure at the time, but most demands were met by 1918. |
| 3 | 1918 | Representation of the People Act | Extended voting rights to women over 30. |
| 4 | 1928 | Equal Franchise Act | Extended voting rights to all men and women over 21. |
| 5 | 1969 | Representation of the People Act | Lowered voting age to 18 for men and women. |
| 6 | 1952 | Queen Elizabeth II's Reign | Queen Elizabeth II became the monarch following her father's death. |
| 7 | 2012 | Diamond Jubilee | Queen Elizabeth II celebrated 60 years as queen. |
| 8 | Ongoing | UK Constitution | Unwritten constitution made up of laws, conventions, and institutions developed over hundreds of years. |
| 9 | Current | Constitutional Institutions | Main parts: the monarchy, Parliament (House of Commons and House of Lords), the Prime Minister, the cabinet, judiciary, police, civil service, local government. |
| 10 | Current | Devolved Governments | Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have devolved governments with legislative powers on certain issues. |
| 11 | Ongoing | Monarchy's Role | Head of state, appoints government, ceremonial roles, represents UK internationally, provides stability and continuity. |
| 12 | Various | National Anthem | "God Save the Queen" played at national occasions and events attended by the Royal Family. |
| 13 | Ongoing | Oath and Affirmation of Allegiance | New citizens swear or affirm loyalty to the Queen and her successors. |
| 14 | Ongoing | System of Government | Parliamentary democracy with MPs elected in General Elections, forming the House of Commons. The party with the majority forms the government. |
| 15 | Various | House of Commons | MPs are elected to represent constituencies, create laws, scrutinize government, and debate national issues. |
| 16 | Various | House of Lords | Peers are appointed, not elected. Includes life peers, senior judges, bishops, and elected hereditary peers. Reviews and checks laws passed by the House of Commons. |
| 17 | Various | The Speaker | Neutral officer of the House of Commons, keeps order during debates, and represents Parliament on ceremonial occasions. |
| 18 | Every 5 years | General Elections | MPs elected through a 'first past the post' system. |
| 19 | As needed | By-elections | Held when an MP dies or resigns. |
| 20 | Every 5 years | European Parliamentary Elections | Elected members called MEPs, using proportional representation. |
| 21 | Ongoing | Contacting Elected Members | Constituents can contact MPs and other elected representatives via letters, telephone, or at local surgeries. |