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).