Parliamentary sovereignty is a key convention, so it is part of the constitution; it states that parliament is the supreme law making body, therefore in ensures a clear centre of authority. Parliament can make, amend and repeal laws, they are the supreme law. For example in 1990 the poll tax was repealed, in 2005 Anti-terrorist Bill was made. This legislation cannot be overturned by a higher authority, as Westminster is the highest. However no parliament can bind its successors, a future parliament is free to repeal any laws made by the present or past parliament.
The constitution has evolved over time reflecting the values and principles of the British People. For example the introduction of the Scottish Parliament in 1999 was due to the change of the social climate. For example: Centralisation of power in the 1970’s acutely affected Scotland and the want for devolution intensified. As a result Labour called a referendum (with the majority for) and set up parliament, whereas in the USA it is difficult to adapt to social change and crisis. In the 1980’s and 90’s the USA were going through an economic depression and the President was unable to help due to constitutional restrictions.
A strong government is also responsible under the UK constitution. Parliament has been given the power of authority through the electorate; this enhances democracy and complies with the social contract theory. The government is accountable to parliament and responsive to the electorate. In first past the post electoral system, the voters get the chance to decide between alternative governments; therefore they have the power over government on that day. The winner’s bonus gives the winning party a majority to enable them to pass legislation effectively and to fulfil their mandate. Another strength to branch off from this example is that the government is effective is passing legislation: only one bill has not been passed under the Labour government since 1997.
The judiciary have less power in the UK than in the USA. In Britain they are not directly elected and so therefore are not accountable and only interpret the law rather than make it. In the USA judges and bureaucrats can influence important political decisions, even thought they are not elected or accountable. The Supreme Court can strike a law from the statute book as unconstitutional. In the UK judges cannot do this.
There are many strength of the UK constitution as it is uncodified: the main strength being its flexibility. In 2001 (due to September 11th terrorist attack) the UK government quickly passed a law against terrorists to safeguard the nation whereas the USA were not able to do so, thus illustrating the benefits of the UK constitution.
