How resilient is our constitution? This question is becoming one of increasing pertinence in the UK. All democratic systems have within them protective mechanisms. One objective of these devices is to prevent abuses, such as violations of the rule of … [Read more...] about Populism and the UK Constitution by Andrew Blick
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Publications
Electoral Systems and Electoral Reform in Historical Perspective by David Klemperer
The UK’s debate on electoral reform is in need of historical perspective. Too often, the First-Past-the-Post electoral system (FPTP) used for Westminster elections is presented as a central part of a well-defined British democratic tradition … [Read more...] about Electoral Systems and Electoral Reform in Historical Perspective by David Klemperer
The Electoral System and British Politics by David Klemperer
This report reconsiders the debate over electoral reform in light of recent developments in British politics. Looking beyond questions of ‘fairness’, it analyses the practical impact of the existing ‘First-Past-the-Post’ electoral system, and … [Read more...] about The Electoral System and British Politics by David Klemperer
How should the UK govern itself in the time of Brexit? by Michael Kenny
In this paper, Professor Michael Kenny argues the case for a better understanding of the complex system of asymmetric devolution which has been introduced across the UK since the late 1990s. He identifies the demise of an older model of informal and … [Read more...] about How should the UK govern itself in the time of Brexit? by Michael Kenny
Indicative Votes – would a different voting system be better?
Since the failure of the Indicative Votes, many have proposed using the using preferential voting (the Alternative Vote) instead. However, this carries its own risks – strategic voting and a perverse winner. Majority Judgement would be … [Read more...] about Indicative Votes – would a different voting system be better?
Blog by Andrew Kennon on The House of Commons and the Brexit Deal
The House of Commons and the Brexit Deal: A Veto Player or a Driver of Policy? A key concern for the House of Commons when voting on the proposed deal with the European Union will be not only the merits of the agreement itself, but what happens if … [Read more...] about Blog by Andrew Kennon on The House of Commons and the Brexit Deal
Hotel California?: The Continuing Jurisdiction of the CJEU
This Paper explains how, in the context of CJEU jurisdiction after exit day, the respective red-lines of the UK and EU are incompatible with each other. Whereas the UK claims to end CJEU jurisdiction, the EU claims, and has always claimed, final … [Read more...] about Hotel California?: The Continuing Jurisdiction of the CJEU
Data and Democracy in the Digital Age
Does the use of data in political campaigns threaten our democracy? In this report, co-authors Stephanie Hankey, Julianne Kerr Morrison and Ravi Naik examine the increasingly prominent role of personal data in political campaigning and the … [Read more...] about Data and Democracy in the Digital Age
Relics of Empire or Full Partners of a New Global United Kingdom?
Alastair Sutton presents his new paper considering the impact of Brexit on the UK's Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories. The impact of Brexit on nearly 20 diverse UK overseas territories is over-shadowed by the continuing uncertainty of … [Read more...] about Relics of Empire or Full Partners of a New Global United Kingdom?
Devolution, Brexit, and the Sewel Convention
Professor Gordon Anthony presents his new paper considering the role that the Sewel Convention plays under the UK constitution and its relevance to Brexit. The paper discusses how the convention can be understood in terms of competing views about … [Read more...] about Devolution, Brexit, and the Sewel Convention
Brexit and our unprotected constitution
Professor Vernon Bogdanor presents his new Constitution Society pamphlet, entitled 'Brexit and our unprotected constitution', examining the constitutional issues raised for our British constitution after Brexit. In this report, Professor Bogdanor … [Read more...] about Brexit and our unprotected constitution
The Voluntary Sector and the U.K. Constitution
This research paper by the Constitution Society's Lucy Atkinson considers the constitutional role of the voluntary sector, charities and state responsibilities to the sector. Through examining the UK government’s history of working in tandem with … [Read more...] about The Voluntary Sector and the U.K. Constitution