Terms Page Terms Page A Act of Parliament 2 L Legislature, the 6 Ad hoc 2 M Magna Carta 6 Adopt 2 O Official information 6 Appropriation 2 P Parliament 7 Assent 2 Parliamentary supremacy/parliamentary sovereignty 7 Attorney-General 2 Proportional representation 7 B Bicameral 2 R Regulations 7 Bills 2 Responsible government 7 Binding referendum 3 Rule of law 7 Branches of state 3 S Semi-fixed election date 8 Bylaw 3 Separation of powers 8 C Cabinet 3 Social, economic and cultural rights 8 Civil & political rights 3 Sovereign, the 8 Common law 3 Sovereignty 8 Constitution Standing Orders of the House 8 Constitutional conventions 3 State, the 9 Constitutional monarchy 4 Statute 9 D Declaration of inconsistency 4 Striking down legislation 9 Dissolution of Parliament 4 Subordinate legislation 9 E Entrenched legislation 4 Sunset clause 9 Executive, the 4 Supply and Confidence 9 F Federal countries 4 Supreme law 9 Fixed election date 4 T Term of Parliament 9 G General Election 5 Territorial authorities Government 5 Unconstitutional 10 H Head of state 5 U Unicameral 10 House of Representatives 5 Unitary state 10 I Institutions of the state 5 Unwritten constitution 10 J Judicial review 5 Vote of No confidence 10 Judiciary, the 5 Westminster System 10 Jurisdiction 6 Written constitution 11
Fixed election date Where the date of the General Election is fixed in law, meaning that an early election cannot be called. General Election Voters’ opportunity to elect members of Parliament. In many countries elections are held every four to five years, but can be held earlier. Government The body or system through which a country is governed. In Sierra Leone, government consists of the President, Minister and Ministers. They set policy direction, propose laws to Parliament by introducing Bills and implement the laws Parliament passes. Head of state The President/chief public representative of a country, though their functions will differ between countries. New Zealand’s head of state is the Queen. House of Representatives The single legislative chamber consisting of democratically elected members of Parliament. Institutions of the state The different bodies that make up the state. In Sierra Leone this includes the head of state, the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary. Judicial review A review that takes place in the High Court as to whether a decision made by a public authority has been made properly. In jurisdictions with supreme law, judges may also review legislation and strike it down if it is inconsistent with supreme law provisions.
Striking down legislation Ability for the Courts to invalidate legislation that is inconsistent with supreme law. Subordinate legislation More detailed laws that are made by public bodies other than Parliament, e.g. regulations made by the Executive. These can be scrutinized by Parliament and reviewed by the Courts. Sunset clause An expiry date on legislation or parts of legislation. Supply and Confidence Government needs Parliament’s permission to spend money. Requires the confidence and support of a majority in Parliament. Without that support, government would be unstable. Supreme law A law that has a higher legal status than other laws, meaning that Parliament must only pass laws that comply with the supreme law. The Courts would be able to strike down inconsistent law. Term of Parliament The length of time that Parliament sits before a General Election must be held. Territorial authorities Local government bodies, e.g. local councils. Unconstitutional Legislation or government action that is inconsistent with constitutional principles.