The British Constitution And Modern Democracies Essay

The British Constitution And Modern Democracies - Essay Example UK’s rules describing the powers of government, civil rights of its citizens among others exist in other statues, treaties, judicial decisions, regional conventions, and parliamentary acts among others (Republic.org, n.d.). Since the original influences of Norman conquest of England, drafting of the Magna Carta and its enactment into law, 1689 bill of rights and the successive parliamentary acts and reforms, especially in the 20th and 21st century, was the beginning and evolution of the of the English citizen’s right and the UK parliament powers in shaping its unwritten constitution. Critically, the legal and political consequences of Britain over time have led to its constitutional evolution, but not enough to enable its single documentation of laws. Over the last four decades, there have been numerous proposals for a codified UK constitution brought forth by groups and people of different political outlooks (Blick, 2011). One of the major arguments against the proposa l revolves around the process, intensity, and impacts of the amendments while comparing a written and unwritten constitution. The role of the UK parliament and its power acts central to the repeals of the constitution, to keep it flexible to the later adjustments and ensure all the functions of government are in order and operational. Initially, the monarch in ancient England held the authority and could use it to raise armies and taxes whenever they saw fit, or suspend the laws made in parliaments regardless of who constituted the house.... Initially, the monarch in ancient England held the authority and could use it to raise armies and taxes whenever they saw fit, or suspend the laws made in parliaments regardless of who constituted the house. The parliament had existed at the will of the monarchs, but during the reign of Charles I, there developed tension between the parliament and the king. The king had demonstrated personal rule, which was not in line with the house’s will, forcing the monarch to rule without a parliament for close to eleven years. This was followed by drastic actions taken by parliament that led into a civil war between the two parties; the parliament overthrew the king and demonstrated a commonwealth government for ten years without the house of lords and the king (Parliament.uk, n.d).Over the centuries, the parliaments’ (especially the house of common) authority has gradually developed to affect the entire British society through its constitution involvement. The declaration of the bill of rights towards the end of the 17th century enabled the parliament to take up powerful roles of the monarchs, which gave them more mandate to control and have a say to actions and matters pertaining Britain. Apart from the House of Lords, the British people can now elect their representatives who make the House of Commons, and from whom the ministers are chosen to represent the interest of the public. The declaratory act to facilitate UK’s parliament ability to legislate for their colonies is an indication of the powers accorded to the parliament back then (Totallyhistory.com, 2012).The modern parliament has the authority and capacity to discuss bills, amend, and enact them for a