B. A. 2nd Sem, (Pol-Science), Unit-2 Class Notes (KU-NEP)

By Dr. Farzeen Bano Unit-II : UK: Historical Background, Main Features, The Crown, Executive, Legislature, Party System -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Historical Background of the British Constitution The British political system has evolved over centuries, transitioning from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy. Key events and sources that shaped the British Constitution include: Sources of the British Constitution 1. Great Charters and Early Documents - Magna Carta (1215): Established the principle that the monarch must govern according to the law. It introduced the idea of legal rights and laid the foundation for constitutional government. - Petition of Right (1628): Restricted the king’s power by prohibiting taxation without Parliament’s consent and unlawful imprisonment. - Bill of Rights (1689): Affirmed parl...