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5 The Westminster Model as a Constitutional Archetype

Abstract

This chapter defines the Westminster Model and describes its historical development, arguing that a Westminster Model constitution is most suitable for Britain’s needs. It distinguishes the essential elements that define the nature, character, and identity of the Westminster Model from the particular aspects of any national constitution. It also mentions Arend Lijphart, who attempted to define the Westminster Model in terms of macro-level institutional design choices and equates it with a majoritarian understanding of democracy. The chapter looks at the constitutional systems of Australia, Barbados, Canada, India, Malta, and New Zealand that have a considerable variety of design choice on issues relating to a written constitution. It uses the six countries to define the Westminster Model as a global-imperial family of constitutional systems.

Abstract

This chapter defines the Westminster Model and describes its historical development, arguing that a Westminster Model constitution is most suitable for Britain’s needs. It distinguishes the essential elements that define the nature, character, and identity of the Westminster Model from the particular aspects of any national constitution. It also mentions Arend Lijphart, who attempted to define the Westminster Model in terms of macro-level institutional design choices and equates it with a majoritarian understanding of democracy. The chapter looks at the constitutional systems of Australia, Barbados, Canada, India, Malta, and New Zealand that have a considerable variety of design choice on issues relating to a written constitution. It uses the six countries to define the Westminster Model as a global-imperial family of constitutional systems.

Chapters in this book

  1. Front Matter i
  2. Contents v
  3. List of Tables viii
  4. Acknowledgements ix
  5. Note on Cover Image x
  6. Note on Author xi
  7. Rediscovering Britain’s Wider Constitutional Tradition 1
  8. The Decline and Fall of the British Constitution 15
  9. Towards a Written Constitution 39
  10. Some Objections Answered 57
  11. The Westminster Model as a Constitutional Archetype 77
  12. Foundations, Principles, Rights and Religion 93
  13. The Crown, Prime Minister and Government 111
  14. Parliament I: Functions, Powers and Composition 135
  15. Parliament II: Privileges, Organization and Procedures 177
  16. Nations, Regions and Local Democracy 197
  17. Judiciary, Administration, Elections and Miscellaneous Provisions 217
  18. Constitution-Building Processes 231
  19. References 251
  20. Index 271
Westminster and the World
This chapter is in the book Westminster and the World
https://doi.org/10.56687/9781529200638-009

Chapters in this book

  1. Front Matter i
  2. Contents v
  3. List of Tables viii
  4. Acknowledgements ix
  5. Note on Cover Image x
  6. Note on Author xi
  7. Rediscovering Britain’s Wider Constitutional Tradition 1
  8. The Decline and Fall of the British Constitution 15
  9. Towards a Written Constitution 39
  10. Some Objections Answered 57
  11. The Westminster Model as a Constitutional Archetype 77
  12. Foundations, Principles, Rights and Religion 93
  13. The Crown, Prime Minister and Government 111
  14. Parliament I: Functions, Powers and Composition 135
  15. Parliament II: Privileges, Organization and Procedures 177
  16. Nations, Regions and Local Democracy 197
  17. Judiciary, Administration, Elections and Miscellaneous Provisions 217
  18. Constitution-Building Processes 231
  19. References 251
  20. Index 271
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