A SHORT PRIMER ON BRITISH CONSTITUTIONALISM: A CONSTITUTIONAL SYSTEM WITHOUT A CONSTITUTION

Abstract

This article is a primer on the British constitutional system. It discusses the various constitutional characteristics and classifications; elements of the

“unwritten” British constitution; and advantages and disadvantages of written and unwritten constitutions. The paper concludes with a description of the main features of the British constitutional system—most especially the revered “Magna Carta” of 1215, which many regards as “…the first great public act of the nation, after it has realized its own identity.” The paper is designed to explain key differences between the American and British constitutional systems as a resource for students seeking a better understanding of governmental structures as a part of an introductory course in international business that adopts a comparative approach to business decision-making in the international environment. While this study focuses on Great Britain, the aim is to encourage the understanding the context of business decision-making while operating in various democratic structures.