Describe the sources of the UK constitution. (10)

AO1 Knowledge and understanding

Key knowledge and understanding

• Statute law, as passed by Parliament. Additional knowledge would refer to the fact that they change the nature and processes of government. Examples: the Human Rights Act, Devolution and Lords reform.
• Conventions as unwritten rules. Examples: Salisbury Convention, Collective responsibility etc.
• Historical principles such as the sovereignty of parliament and prerogative powers.
• Works and documents of authority Examples: Bagehot, Dicey, Erskine, Magna Carta, 1688 Bill of Rights
• Common law and tradition, relating often to rights
• European Union Treaties/Law Examples: Maastricht Treaty, Treaty of Rome

Threshold Guidance for AO1:

The minimum requirement to enter level 3 is three sources clearly explained.

The minimum requirement to enter level 2 is two sources with at least a limited explanation.

Level 3

6-7 Marks

• Good to excellent knowledge of sources.
• Explanations of the sources demonstrate good to excellent understanding.
• There will be good use made of appropriate examples.

Level 2

3-5 Marks

• Limited to sound knowledge of the sources.
• Explanations of the sources will demonstrate limited to sound understanding.
• Examples will be limited or absent.

Level 1

0-2 Marks

• Very poor to weak knowledge with little or no understanding shown.
• Examples are likely to be absent.

AO2 Intellectual skills

Ability to explain why and how the sources relate to the nature of the constitution.

Level 3

3 Marks

• Good to excellent ability to explain the nature of operation of the sources

Level 2

2 Marks

• Limited to sound ability to explain the nature of operation of the sources

Level 1

1 Mark

• Very poor to weak ability to explain the nature of operation of the sources