Constitution Unit

Description

The Constitution Unit conducts timely, rigorous, independent research into constitutional change and the reform of political institutions. Its research has significant real-world impact, informing policy-makers engaged in such changes - both in the United Kingdom and around the world.

Constitutions change frequently. Roughly five national constitutions are completely rewritten every year, and another thirty are amended in some way. Many other changes take place without formal constitutional amendment, through shifts in constitutional conventions, judicial interpretation, or statute law. This is crucially important in the UK, which famously lacks a codified constitution. Matters such as the UK's relationship with the European Union, the composition, powers and procedures of the two chambers of parliament, the mechanisms through which citizens can participate in politics, and the territorial nature of the United Kingdom all depend on political decisions, but have broader constitutional consequences.

The Constitution Unit was created in 1995 to aid policy-makers involved in changing their constitutions. The Unit was founded initially to conduct detailed research and planning on constitutional reform in the UK. Members continue to fulfil that remit, but also assess the effects of reforms that have taken place, and research constitutional and political arrangements beyond the UK. Publications include reports, books, and articles in both academic journals and mainstream media. Members prioritise providing timely evidence to policy-makers, and their work has had substantial real-world impact. The Unit senior researchers are often called upon to provide expert analysis on current events in the UK and international media.

After more than 25 years, the Constitution Unit continues to thrive. Areas of research include:

• The parliament
• elections and referendums
• prerogative powers
• Constitutions and Constitution-Making
• Deliberative Democracy
• Monarchy, Church and State
• Nations and Regions
• Government
• The UK and Europe
• Research Archive

The Unit is housed in UCL's Department of Political Science. Members collaborate with scholars and practitioners all over the world, drawn from politics, law and the public service. They frequently host visiting researchers, public servants taking research breaks, and others working as volunteers (from whom expressions of interest are always welcome). The Unit also has a blog, a regular newsletter and a lively events programme.

Offers funding

No, this infrastructure does not provide funding.

Founding year

1995

Contact details

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University affiliation(s)

University College London (UCL)
Gower St
London
WC1E 6BT