The Developing Constitution

Putting Humpty together again: Homo sociologicus, Homo economicus and the political science of the British state*

“…On the other hand, there are those who, while perhaps also seeing the need for a written constitution, are rather keener to constrain the central executive through a re-ordered 'politics'. From this perspective there is a concern t o devolve power (to assemblies in Scotland and Wales, to regional bodies, and to a reinvigorated local government); to strengthen the elective side, the voters and parliament (through proportional representation and the reform of the House of Lords); and to provide more scope for open government and the investigation of complaints (Beer 1993;Peele 1978).…”

Rules of the Game in Britain: Can the Politicians Be Trusted?

“…These assumptions, however, are currently under attack by critics who cite a growing incidence of constitutional improprieties. The claim is made that the Constitution is losing its definition and vigor, that it is being manipulated for narrow political ends (Norton 1981;Peele 1978;Johnson 1977). Governments have, according to the critics, blunted the Opposition's weapons and distorted the information on which elections are fought.…”

“…Both Lord Hailsham and Roy Jenkins have advocated introducing a formal Bill of Rights; indeed, Bills of Rights have been the subject of private members' bills in the House of Lords and early day motions in the Commons. All of these proposals arise from the belief that traditional commentaries on Britain's rules of the game underestimate the contemporary force of party-political considerations, that constitutional adaptation is being overtaken by political opportunism, and that, in a new and dangerous way, the Constitution is becoming what the leaders of the Conservative and Labour parties choose to say it is (Peele 1978;Johnson 1977).…”