GCSECitizenship StudiesAQARevision Notes4. Politics & Participation4.1 Political PowerThe British Constitution & Change

The British Constitution & Change (AQA GCSE Citizenship Studies): Revision Note

Exam code: 8100

Michael Mitchell

Written by: Michael Mitchell

Reviewed by: Lisa Eades

Updated on

The nature of the uncodified British constitution

  • A constitution is a set of rules that state how a state is managed and organised

  • Many countries have a written constitution

    • It is set out in a formal document which explains how it can be changed or amended

    • E.g. The USA has a written constitution dating from 1789  that has been subsequently amended 27 times

  • Some countries, including the UK, have an unwritten, uncodified constitution

    • There is no single set document, but there are laws, procedures and conventions

How the constitution copes with change

  • An uncodified constitution is flexible, so it can be adjusted or adapted from time to time without a complex process

  • Several changes to the UK's constitution in recent years

Recent constitutional change in the UK

  • These changes have come about through the introduction or amendment of legislation, and are integrated into what is considered the British constitution

Constitutional issue

Changes made

Role of the judiciary

  • The Supreme Court was established in 2009, separate from the House of Lords, to strengthen the independence of the judiciary

  • The Supreme Court has the power to interpret laws and rule on whether government actions are lawful

  • It decides cases involving human rights and devolution, helping to ensure the government follows the law

Devolution

  • Constitutional changes were made to recognise the creation of devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

  • These bodies were given powers over areas such as education, health and transport

  • The UK Parliament kept control of national issues like defence and foreign policy

Referendums

  • The role of referendums has become more clearly defined within the UK’s democratic system

  • Referendums allow citizens to vote directly on major constitutional issues, such as devolution or EU membership

  • However, Parliament remains sovereign and decides whether results are legally binding

Case Study

Reducing the voting age to 16

Four diverse individuals hold signs reading "Votes at 16", "Be Seen Be Heard", "16", and "Protect their future" in front of Big Ben.

  • In the UK, the voting age for UK general elections is currently 18

    • However, 16- and 17-year-olds can already vote in Scottish Parliament and local elections, Senedd and local elections in Wales

    • This has led to debate about lowering the voting age to 16 across the whole UK

Legal changes required

  • To allow 16-year-olds to vote in UK general elections, Parliament would need to change election law, especially the Representation of the People Act

  • This would involve redefining who is legally eligible to vote and updating electoral registration systems to include younger voters

Impact on democracy

  • Supporters argue that votes at 16 would increase participation, help young people develop lifelong voting habits, and ensure that decisions affecting young people reflect their views

  • Critics argue that some 16-year-olds may lack political knowledge

    • However, evidence from Scotland shows that young voters can engage responsibly, suggesting the change could strengthen democracy by making it more inclusive

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    Author
    Reviewer
    Michael Mitchell

    Author: Michael Mitchell

    Expertise: Content Writer

    Michael Mitchell is a pioneer of Citizenship education and a former Chief Examiner and Chief Moderator across all qualification levels. Michael's aim is to enable students to participate and become active citizens and not just passive members of society. He designed national specifications and, later, trained the next generation of teachers as the PGCE Subject Leader at the University of Plymouth, where he also ran a national Master's-level CPD program.

    Lisa Eades

    Reviewer: Lisa Eades

    Expertise: Business Content Creator

    Lisa has taught A Level, GCSE, BTEC and IBDP Business for over 20 years and is a senior Examiner for Edexcel. Lisa has been a successful Head of Department in Kent and has offered private Business tuition to students across the UK. Lisa loves to create imaginative and accessible resources which engage learners and build their passion for the subject.