Explainers This page provides explanations and information on key constitutional terms and democratic practices and links to useful resources. What is a constitution? What is the UK constitution? What does the House of Lords do? What are constitutional conventions? What are constitutional principles? What are checks and balances? What is a citizens' assembly? What is the role of the monarchy? What is the royal prerogative? What is the rule of law? Read our briefings on constitutional principles and the health of democracy Sign up to our mailing list