ABSTRACT
Constitutional law is concerned with the role and powers of the institutions within the state and with the relationship between the citizen and the state. Under a largely unwritten constitution, the position is less clear-cut, and it may often be the case that conduct will be adjudged to be 'unconstitutional' and yet not be 'unlawful'. Conversely, a subordinate constitution is one whose powers are limited by some higher authority. Under the largely unwritten constitution of the United Kingdom, the separation of powers is difficult to ascertain and evaluate. Judges are not empowered, under the UK constitution, to invalidate Acts of Parliament: the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty is respected by the courts. The desire for formal recognition and explication of the constitutional relationship between Britain and the Dominions led to four-yearly Prime Ministerial conferences, which commenced in 1887.
