constitutionalism

CONSTITUZIONALISM

Index

Definition of constitution

01

04

English constitution

05

Comparisons

02

Magna Charta

03

Declaration of Independence

Importance of constitution

06

Definition of Constitution

The constitution is a written instrument that guarantees certain rights to the people in a state or nation. - Written constitution - Uncodified constitution Some constitutions limit state power.

Magna Carta

15th June 1215, the king’s power was reduced by a written document called Magna Carta that is the first written constitution in European history.

Still nowadays, Magna Carta is fundamental for the uncodified English constitution.

American colonies

Sugar ActStamp Act

"No taxation without representation."

Tea Act and Boston Tea Party.

1775, the Battles of Lexington and Concord armed conflict

Declaration of Independence

Colonies had not been allowed to represent themselves in the British Legislature. American Revolution (1775–76)

Philadelphia: the Second Continental Congress

Thomas Jefferson Declaration of Independence (1776)

English constitution

Unlike in most countries, it is not codified into a single document. It is known as an uncodified constitution.

- The QUEEN is the head of state.- The PARLIAMENT is the supreme legislative authority. - The EXECUTIVE consists of the Prime Minister and the ministers. - The JUDICIARY is concerned with the administration of justice.

The written documents of the English constitution

- Bill of Rights (1689) - The Parliament Acts (1911–49) - The Representation of the People Acts (1918)

- The European Communities Act (1972) - The Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Ireland devolution Acts (1998) - The Human Rights Act (1998)

ENGLAND VS ITALY

Unwritten constitution.

In the UK the queen is the head of the state.

Written Constitution composed by 139 articles.

VS

The President of the Italian Republic represents the unity of the nation and has ceremonial duties.

English have a Bicameral system.

Italian Parliaments have a Bicameral system.

ENGLAND VS IRELAND

Unwritten constitution.

Written previously in 1922, effective on 29 December 1937.

The amendments are proposed as a bill by the government, by the House of Commons or by the House of Lords.

The amendments must be proposed as bills by Parliament.

VS

The passage of new amendments requires a majority vote by both the Senate and House of Representatives.

A passage requires agreement by both houses and by the monarch.

Should the UK now take steps to codify all its laws, rules, and conventions governing the government of the country into one comprehensive document, a new Magna Carta’?

THANK YOU!