In the context of the UK constitution, which term refers to unwritten rules followed by political actors?

In the context of the UK constitution, the term that best refers to unwritten rules followed by political actors is conventions. Conventions are accepted practices that have developed over time and are not legally enforceable but are considered essential for the functioning of the political system. They guide behavior and establish expectations within governmental processes.

For example, the convention that the Prime Minister must be a member of the House of Commons, rather than the House of Lords, illustrates how these unwritten rules shape political norms and procedures. While traditions, norms, and customs may influence political behavior, conventions specifically capture the essence of unwritten rules that govern interactions and decisions within the UK’s constitutional framework.

Traditions are often associated with historical practices but do not always impact current political behavior in the same way. Norms refer to socially accepted standards but can encompass broader behaviors beyond mere political practices. Customs, similarly to traditions, may involve established ways of doing things but do not carry the specific legal or political implications that conventions do. This distinction clarifies why conventions are most appropriate in this context.