What is the differences between a codified and uncodified constitution?

A constitution is a set of principals which govern a state, and make up the supreme law of the land. A codified constitution is contained in a single written document, which is fully entrenched in law and therefore difficult to change. In constrast an uncondified constitution is contained in a more diffuse range of sources such as norms and customs, legal precedent and in the case of the UK, Acts of Parliament.

This means that uncodified constitution are more flexible and adaptable than codified constitutions because they can evolve along with the society they govern, without the need for formal amendment. However this can make uncodified constitution vulnerable to abuse, since they are not as easy for the citizenry to understand, whereas in a codified constitution the rights of citizens are clearly enumerated making them easier to defend.

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Answered by Felicity M. Politics tutor

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