CONSTITUTION

SS1 CIVIC EDUCATION
2nd Term

CONSTITUTION
Definition: The constitution is a body of laws and principles which guide a people. It states the powers of each tier of government and the rights of the people. It establishes a basic framework or fundamental law of the land. It sets limits to the actions of the government and the people by stating the rights and duties of each.
Sources: (1) the people’s history (2) customs and traditions (3) Act of Parliament (4) past constitutions (5) constitutions of other countries (6) Conventions (generally accepted political precepts and practices) (7)constitutional conferences (8) judicial precedents
Types of Constitution
(1)Written constitution: it is the type of constitution in which the fundamental laws and principles governing the people are written down and codified in one single document.
(2)Unwritten constitution: it is the type of constitution in which the fundamental laws and principles governing the people are not written down in one single document, but is found in different books, customs, conventions, judicial principles, statutes etc.
(3)Rigid constitution: this is a kind of constitution that is very difficult to change. Merits (1) it guarantees human right (2) it guarantees sustainable development (3) it is a lasting reference point (4) it makes for political stability (5)it is the basis for long term planning. Demerits (1) it delays decision making (2)it leashes the leader’s power of innovation (3)it slows down growth (4) it can provoke violent revolution which could claim lives and properties
(4)Flexible constitution: it is easy to amend. If the method of amending the constitution is the same as that of the passing of ordinary law, then the constitution is a flexible one. Merits (1)it aids quick decision making (2)laws are easily change to fit the changing circumstance (3)it creates an opening for rapid growth (4)it costs little to make or remake laws in a flexible constitutions Demerits (1) it is open to manipulation (2)it makes the country vulnerable to dictatorship  (3)it causes political instability (4)laws can be momentarily made to torment political opponents bearing in mind that it can as easily be changed back.
Constitution as a major pillar of democracy
The constitution is a document of covenant between the government and the people. In democracy, power belongs to the people, but for the purpose of organization, the people hand this power to elected representatives in trust. These representatives are therefore to rule according to the agreed principles which are stated in the constitution. Thus, without the constitution, the representatives would assume unlimited power over the people. Then, it will no longer be democracy, and that means that the people have lost the power indefinitely. So, constitution is a major pillar by which democracy can be sustained.

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