british sovereignty, authority & power. british legitimacy gradualism legitimacy of the british...
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British Sovereignty, Authority & Power
British Legitimacy• Legitimacy of the British government has
developed/changed gradually (gradualism)• Shifting power from a Monarchy based on
traditional legitimacy to a legislature (Parliament) based on rational-legal authority.
• Britain is now a Parliamentary Democracy & a Constitutional Monarchy
British Gradualism • Ironically this shift of power is not based on a
written Constitution – they don’t have one! • Constitution of the Crown – establishment of
political practice/rules through important documents, common law, and customs.
Constitution of the CrownImportant Political Documents/Developments1. Common Law – legal system based on local
customs and precedent. o Allows decisions made by officials and courts to set
precedents, forming principles for governance.
English Common Law was
established under King Henry II in the
12th century
Constitution of the CrownImportant Political Documents/Developments2. Magna Carta – document
that made the monarchy consult English nobles before political decisions (i.e. taxes) were be made. o Formed the basis of limited
government & monarchy
King John (1215) signs the Magna Carta
Constitution of the CrownImportant Political Documents/Developments3. The Bill of Rights –
document that listed rights retained by Parliament o Gave important
policymaking power, including “Power of the Purse” to Parliament
William & Mary signed the Bill of Rights after overthrowing the Absolute Monarch
(the Glorious Revolution).
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