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Questions and Answers
What do we call the basic rules that citizens and the government have to follow in a democracy?
What do we call the basic rules that citizens and the government have to follow in a democracy?
What is the constitution considered as in a country?
What is the constitution considered as in a country?
Who determines the foundational values of a constitution in a democratic state?
Who determines the foundational values of a constitution in a democratic state?
Can changes be made to a constitution after it's accepted?
Can changes be made to a constitution after it's accepted?
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In what way does the constitution provide a framework for citizens' conduct and that of the government?
In what way does the constitution provide a framework for citizens' conduct and that of the government?
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What is a recent instance mentioned in the text regarding the designing of a constitution for a democratic state?
What is a recent instance mentioned in the text regarding the designing of a constitution for a democratic state?
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What was the system of racial discrimination unique to South Africa called?
What was the system of racial discrimination unique to South Africa called?
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What was the name given to the people of mixed races in South Africa?
What was the name given to the people of mixed races in South Africa?
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In which South African prison did Nelson Mandela spend 28 years?
In which South African prison did Nelson Mandela spend 28 years?
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What was the name of the umbrella organization that led the struggle against apartheid policies?
What was the name of the umbrella organization that led the struggle against apartheid policies?
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Which group did the white rulers in South Africa treat as inferiors?
Which group did the white rulers in South Africa treat as inferiors?
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What did the apartheid system forbid the blacks from doing?
What did the apartheid system forbid the blacks from doing?
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What were the non-whites in South Africa prohibited from doing in public places?
What were the non-whites in South Africa prohibited from doing in public places?
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Study Notes
Core Principles of Democracy
- Basic rules that citizens and government must adhere to in a democracy are known as the constitution.
- The constitution acts as the foundational legal document for a country, establishing the government framework and citizen rights.
Values and Amendments of a Constitution
- Foundational values of a constitution in a democratic state are determined by founding fathers, lawmakers, and the public through debates and referendums.
- Changes can be made to a constitution after acceptance through established amendment processes, allowing for updates in response to evolving societal needs.
Framework for Governance
- The constitution provides a comprehensive framework outlining the expected conduct of citizens and the government, ensuring accountability, rights protection, and the rule of law.
Historical Context of Constitution Design
- A recent instance of designing a constitution for a democratic state includes the transition of South Africa from apartheid to democracy in the early 1990s.
Apartheid System in South Africa
- The racial discrimination system unique to South Africa was known as apartheid, characterized by institutionalized segregation and discrimination against non-white populations.
- Individuals classified as people of mixed races in South Africa were referred to as Coloureds.
Nelson Mandela and the Struggle Against Apartheid
- Nelson Mandela spent 28 years in Robben Island prison due to his opposition to apartheid.
- The umbrella organization that led the struggle against apartheid policies was the African National Congress (ANC).
Treatment of Racial Groups
- The apartheid system treated various racial groups, particularly blacks, as inferiors, systematically denying them basic rights and privileges.
- Under apartheid, blacks were forbidden from participating in many aspects of public life, including voting, owning property in certain areas, and accessing certain facilities.
- Non-whites were prohibited from using many public places, such as beaches, parks, and schools, reinforcing the segregationist policies of the apartheid regime.
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Description
Test your knowledge about the basic rules, rights of citizens, and the powers of the government as defined by the constitution in a democracy. Explore questions related to the constitutional design of a democratic system.
