The Evolution and Gestalt of the British Constitution

This chapter presents an account of the historical development of the British constitution. Situating it in the context of an evolving tradition of European constitutional practice, it seeks to explain the British constitution by presenting it as a distinctive variant of the European way of governing. By focusing on its unusual history and unique characteristics, including its unwritten character and adherence to a basic principle of parliamentary sovereignty, it highlights the difficulties experienced by the British in participating in the creation of a ‘common public law of Europe’ through the project of continuing European integration.