What are the advantages and disadvantages of an uncodified constitution?
I can describe what an uncodified constitution is and consider the advantages and disadvantages of this.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of an uncodified constitution?
I can describe what an uncodified constitution is and consider the advantages and disadvantages of this.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- There are two types of constituition codified and uncodified. The UK has an uncodified constitution.
- The UK constitution is shaped by many different documents e.g. Magna Carta and the Bill of Rights.
- An advantage of an uncodified constitution is it is more flexible. A disadvantage is it can seem more complicated.
Keywords
Constitution - the set of principles and rules by which a country is organised
Codified constitution - when the principles and rules by which a country is organised are written down, usually in a single document
Uncodified constitution - when the principles and rules by which a country is organised are not written down in a single written document
Common misconception
An uncodified constitution means there are no rules or limitations on government power.
There are rules and limitations on government power in an uncodified constitution, e.g. the UK’s uncodified constitution is made up of various sources, including statute law and common law. Rule of law is a key principle that guides Parliament.
To help you plan your year 11 citizenship lesson on: What are the advantages and disadvantages of an uncodified constitution?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 citizenship lesson on: What are the advantages and disadvantages of an uncodified constitution?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 citizenship lessons from the What is the nature of the British Constitution? unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Starter quiz
6 Questions
represent their constituency but does not hold a ministerial position.
represent their constituency and holds a ministerial position
leads the party not in government, holding the government accountable
responsible for maintaining order during debates
Exit quiz
6 Questions
codified constitution
uncodified constitution
uncodified constitution
codified constitution