Statute of Westminster 1947

Definition

The Statute of Westminster 1947 was a key piece of legislation that established legislative independence for the dominions of the British Empire, including New Zealand. This statute marked a significant turning point in the evolution of New Zealand's constitutional arrangements, allowing it to make its own laws without requiring approval from the British Parliament.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Statute of Westminster 1947 was passed by the British Parliament and came into effect on October 1, 1947, granting full legislative independence to the dominions.
2. New Zealand was one of the first countries to adopt the Statute, signaling a shift towards greater autonomy and self-determination within the Commonwealth.
3. While the statute allowed New Zealand to make laws without needing British approval, it did not completely sever ties; New Zealand could still choose to rely on British law if desired.
4. This legislation was part of a broader movement in the mid-20th century where many former colonies sought greater autonomy and independence from colonial powers.
5. The Statute of Westminster is often seen as a foundational step towards New Zealand's complete legislative independence, culminating in further constitutional reforms in later decades.

Review Questions

• How did the Statute of Westminster 1947 impact New Zealand's legislative process compared to prior arrangements?
  • The Statute of Westminster 1947 significantly changed New Zealand's legislative process by granting it full autonomy to create and amend laws without requiring approval from the British Parliament. Prior to this, New Zealand's laws had to receive royal assent from Britain, limiting its legislative freedom. The statute allowed New Zealand to operate more independently as a sovereign nation within the Commonwealth, marking a shift towards complete self-governance.
• Evaluate the significance of the Statute of Westminster 1947 in relation to New Zealand's journey towards full sovereignty.
  • The Statute of Westminster 1947 was pivotal in New Zealand's journey towards full sovereignty as it marked a clear departure from colonial governance. This legislation allowed New Zealand to develop its own legal identity and make decisions that reflected its unique national interests without interference from Britain. As a result, it set the stage for future constitutional developments, leading to greater independence and ultimately contributing to New Zealand's emergence as a fully sovereign nation.
• Assess how the enactment of the Statute of Westminster 1947 influenced New Zealand's identity and relationship with Britain in subsequent decades.
  • The enactment of the Statute of Westminster 1947 had lasting effects on New Zealand's national identity and its relationship with Britain. By affirming legislative independence, New Zealand began to embrace its distinct cultural and political identity, leading to an increasing focus on domestic issues and values rather than colonial ties. Over subsequent decades, this shift encouraged New Zealand to forge its own path in international affairs and pursue independent policies that reflected its national priorities, ultimately redefining its role within the Commonwealth and on the global stage.

Related terms

Dominion: A semi-autonomous polity within the British Empire, which had self-governing powers but still recognized the British monarch as the head of state.

New Zealand Constitution Act 1852: An act that provided the initial framework for New Zealand's government, establishing it as a colony with its own legislature but under British authority.

Royal assent: The formal approval by the monarch or their representative that is required for a bill to become law, traditionally a step in the legislative process in British colonies.