Chapter 5
The British constitution
What a constitution is, why the UK's is called 'unwritten', the institutions that make up the state, and what the monarch does.
By the end you should know
- Explain what a constitution is and why the UK's is 'unwritten'
- List the main constitutional institutions
- Describe the role of a constitutional monarch
- Know the national anthem and the oath and affirmation of allegiance
An unwritten constitution
A constitution is the framework of rules a country is run by. It covers the institutions that govern, the checks on their power, and the laws and conventions they follow. Most countries keep theirs in one founding document, but the UK does not.
Because the UK has never had a revolution that swept away its old system for good — unlike the USA or France — its institutions developed slowly over centuries. That is why its constitution is called 'unwritten'. Some people want a single written document; others say the current arrangement is more flexible.
Why is the British constitution described as 'unwritten'?
Key factIt is not set out in any single document. The UK never had a revolution that permanently replaced its system of government, so its institutions grew over hundreds of years.
A constitution is the set of principles by which a country is governed: its institutions, how their power is checked, and its laws and conventions.
Constitutional institutions
Power in the UK is spread across several institutions. On top of these, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each have a devolved government that can make some of its own laws.
What are the main constitutional institutions of the UK?
The monarchy · Parliament (House of Commons and House of Lords) · the Prime Minister · the cabinet · the judiciary (courts) · the police · the civil service · local government
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland also have devolved governments that can make laws on some issues.
The monarchy
The UK is a constitutional monarchy. The king or queen is head of state, and also head of state of many Commonwealth countries, but does not run the country. After an election the monarch asks the leader of the party with the most MPs — or the leader of a coalition — to become Prime Minister and form a government.
The monarch meets the Prime Minister regularly and has the right to advise, warn and encourage. The real policy decisions are taken by the Prime Minister and the cabinet.
What does it mean that the UK is a constitutional monarchy?
Key factThe monarch does not rule the country. They appoint the government that the people have chosen in a democratic election.
The monarch invites the leader of the party with the most MPs (or the leader of a coalition) to become Prime Minister.
What can the monarch do at their regular meetings with the Prime Minister?
Key factAdvise, warn and encourage. Decisions on government policy are made by the Prime Minister and cabinet.
The handbook was written in 2013, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. It says she came to the throne when her father died in 1952 and celebrated her Diamond Jubilee — 60 years as queen — in 2012. It names her husband as Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and her eldest son Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, as heir.
According to the handbook, since when has the Queen reigned?
Key factSince 1952, when her father died.
The handbook names Queen Elizabeth II as head of state, married to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, with Prince Charles as heir.
When did the Queen celebrate her Diamond Jubilee?
Key factIn 2012 — marking 60 years as queen.
What the monarch does
- Opens each new session of Parliament with a speech setting out the government's plans for the year ahead.
- Acts of Parliament are made in the monarch's name.
- Represents the UK abroad: receives foreign ambassadors and high commissioners, entertains visiting heads of state and makes state visits overseas.
- Provides stability and continuity — Prime Ministers come and go, but the head of state remains, giving a focus for national identity and pride.
What are the monarch's main ceremonial roles?
Opening each new session of Parliament with a speech summarising the government's policies · Acts of Parliament are made in the monarch's name · representing the UK abroad: receiving ambassadors and high commissioners, hosting visiting heads of state and making state visits
The monarch also gives stability and continuity: governments change, but the head of state stays and is a focus for national identity and pride.
The national anthem and the oath
The handbook gives the national anthem as 'God Save the Queen'. It is played at important national occasions and at events attended by the monarch or the Royal Family. At a citizenship ceremony new citizens either swear an oath of allegiance (by Almighty God) or make a non-religious affirmation, promising to be faithful to the monarch, their heirs and successors.
According to the handbook, what is the national anthem of the UK?
'God Save the Queen' — played at important national occasions and at events attended by the monarch or Royal Family.
New citizens swear (oath) or affirm (affirmation) loyalty to the monarch at their citizenship ceremony.
Exam tip: the key phrase is 'advise, warn and encourage'. The monarch does NOT decide government policy, choose ministers freely or vote in Parliament. If an option says the monarch 'rules the country', it is wrong.
The test still uses the handbook text, so you may see 'the Queen' in questions. Answer as the handbook says — the update notes below each fact explain what has changed.