What does the principle of 'parliamentary sovereignty' entail?

Study for the Northern Ireland CCEA AS Politics Test. Prepare with our comprehensive questions and detailed explanations. Enhance your knowledge and get ready for your exam with confidence!

The principle of 'parliamentary sovereignty' asserts that Parliament is the supreme legal authority in the UK, meaning it has the ultimate power to create, amend, or repeal any law without the need for approval from any other body, including the judiciary. This principle is a fundamental feature of the UK's constitution and underscores the idea that no parliament can bind a future parliament; each session has the right to legislate as it sees fit.

This sovereignty indicates that Parliament has the power to make decisions on any matter, and these decisions cannot be overturned or invalidated by external institutions. This framework is essential to understanding the functioning of the UK political system, as it highlights the full legislative authority held by Parliament over domestic law, independent from public approval or judicial review.

The other choices reflect misconceptions about the nature of parliamentary power. For instance, while some decisions may indeed require specific processes or public consultation, this is not a requirement of parliamentary sovereignty itself. Similarly, the notion that judicial rulings can override parliamentary legislation mistakenly undermines the principle of sovereignty, as it instead underscores the doctrine of parliamentary supremacy in legal frameworks.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy