British Sovereignty,
Authority & Power
British Legitimacy
• Legitimacy of the British government has
developed/changed gradually (gradualism)
• Shifting power from a Monarchy based on
traditional legitimacy to a legislature (Parliament)
based on rational-legal authority.
• Britain is now a Parliamentary Democracy & a
Constitutional Monarchy
British Gradualism
• Ironically this shift of power is not based on a
written Constitution – they don’t have one!
• Constitution of the Crown – establishment of
political practice/rules through important
documents, common law, and customs.
Constitution of the Crown
Important Political Documents/Developments
1. Common Law – legal system based on local
customs and precedent.
o Allows decisions made by officials and courts to set
precedents, forming principles for governance.
English Common
Law was
established under
King Henry II in the
12th century
Constitution of the Crown
Important Political Documents/Developments
2. Magna Carta – document
that made the monarchy
consult English nobles
before political decisions
(i.e. taxes) were be made.
o Formed the basis of limited
government & monarchy
King John (1215) signs
the Magna Carta
Constitution of the Crown
Important Political Documents/Developments
3. The Bill of Rights –
document that listed
rights retained by
Parliament
o Gave important
policymaking power,
including “Power of the
Purse” to Parliament
William & Mary signed the Bill of Rights
after overthrowing the Absolute Monarch
(the Glorious Revolution).