Fundamental Principles of UK Law Study Guide

Section 5.4

Fundamental principles

A stable legal system depends on equality before the law, fair procedures and independent judges. Public bodies must act within their legal powers, while individuals can seek legal remedies when rights are infringed.

Rights do not remove all limits on conduct. Parliament can make laws that balance one person’s freedom with public safety and the rights of others.

Targeted practice

Questions about Fundamental principles

These questions prioritise terms covered on this page. Open an answer to review the explanation before moving to the full Chapter 5 practice set.

1. Sample question 1

   The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation is a group of European and North American countries that was created with which two purposes:

   • Protect and promote human rights in those countries
   • Help each other if they come under attack
   • Maintain peace between all its members
   • Promote free trade amongst those countries
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: Help each other if they come under attack and Maintain peace between all its members

   NATO is a group of European and North American countries that have agreed to help each other if they come under attack. It also aims to maintain peace between all of its members.

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2. Sample question 2

   What is the Commonwealth?

   • An association of countries that support each other and work together towards shared goals in democracy and development
   • An organisation responsible for the protection and promotion of human rights in its member countries
   • An association of countries that promotes international peace and security
   • A group of European and North American countries that have agreed to help each other if they come under attack
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: An association of countries that support each other and work together towards shared goals in democracy and development

   The Commonwealth is an association of countries that support each other and work together towards shared goals in democracy and development. Most member states were once part of the British Empire, although a few countries which were not have also joined.

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3. Sample question 3

   Where can people facing domestic violence get help?

   • The NHS
   • The Citizens Advice Bureau
   • The Human Rights Commission
   • The RSPB
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: The Citizens Advice Bureau

   People facing domestic violence can get help from a solicitor or the Citizens Advice Bureau.

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4. Sample question 4

   What is the main function of the Council of Europe?

   • To protect and promote human rights
   • To promote international trade relationships
   • To maintain international peace
   • To recommend action when there are international crises and threats to peace
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: To protect and promote human rights

   The Council of Europe is responsible for the protection and promotion of human rights in its member countries.

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5. Sample question 5

   Who is responsible for the creation of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms?

   • The UN Security Council
   • The Council of Europe
   • The United Nations
   • The Commonwealth
   Show answer and explanation

   Answer: The Council of Europe

   The Council of Europe has no power to make laws but draws up conventions and charters, the most well-known of which is the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.

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More Chapter 5 questions