SQE1 Constitutional Law 2

Question 1

Under the Constitutional Reform Act 2005, what major structural change was made to the UK judiciary?

Accepted Answer

The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom was established as the final court of appeal

Answer

The House of Lords was abolished

Answer

The Lord Chancellor was given additional judicial powers

Answer

The European Court of Justice became the final appellate court

Question 2

Which body is responsible for investigating complaints of maladministration by government departments in the UK?

Accepted Answer

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman

Answer

The Supreme Court

Answer

The Privy Council

Answer

The Administrative Court

Question 3

Judicial review in English administrative law allows the courts to review government decisions on which of the following grounds?

Accepted Answer

Illegality, irrationality, and procedural impropriety

Answer

Merits, policy, and proportionality only

Answer

Whether the decision was popular with the public

Answer

Whether the decision achieved the best economic outcome

Question 4

Under the Scotland Act 1998, the Scottish Parliament has the power to legislate on:

Accepted Answer

All matters except those reserved to Westminster, as listed in Schedule 5

Answer

All matters including defence and foreign affairs

Answer

Only matters specifically listed in Schedule 5 as reserved

Answer

Only matters approved by the UK Parliament on a case-by-case basis

Question 5

The Sewel Convention provides that the UK Parliament will not normally legislate on devolved matters without:

Accepted Answer

The consent of the relevant devolved legislature

Answer

A referendum in the devolved nation

Answer

A two-thirds majority in the House of Commons

Answer

Approval from the Privy Council

Question 6

What is the effect of section 3 of the Human Rights Act 1998 on statutory interpretation?

Accepted Answer

Courts must, so far as possible, read and give effect to legislation in a way compatible with Convention rights

Answer

Courts must strike down any legislation incompatible with Convention rights

Answer

Courts can only apply Convention rights to public authorities

Answer

Courts must refer all human rights questions to the European Court of Human Rights