ABSTRACT
Constitutional conventions are rules of practice considered binding on those to whom they apply, but they are not legally enforceable. They are of immense importance in regulating the ways in which the legal framework of the British Constitution is operated in reality. Good examples of constitutional practice governed by convention are the office of Prime Minister (not recognised by statute until 1905), the system of Cabinet government, and the principle that the Sovereign does not refuse royal assent to Bills passed by Parliament. All these emerged in the 18th century.
