What are the advantages and disadvantages of an uncodified constitution?
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe what an uncodified constitution is and consider the advantages and disadvantages of this.
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.
Teacher tip
When teaching about codified and uncodified constitutions, encourage pupils to compare real-world examples like the US and the UK.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The name of the building where laws are made in the UK is the Palace of ...
Q2.Parliament is made up of the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the ...
Q3.The Government sits in which part of Parliament?
Q4.What is the name of the annual event the monarch attends at Parliament?
Q5.Match the name of people in the House of Commons to their correct roles.
Q6.The leader of the Government is the ...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Magna was one of the first documents to influence the UK's constitution.
Q2.Order the documents that impacted the UK's constitution by date, starting with the oldest.
Q3.Which of the following countries have an uncodified constitution?
Q4.Which of the following is an advantage of an uncodified constitution?
Q5.Which of the following is a disadvantage of an uncodified constitution?
Q6.Which of the following is true about an uncodified constitution, like the UK's?
To help you plan your 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 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.