Government Constitution

Study Notes

A constitution is a set of fundamental principles and rules that govern the structure, powers, and limitations of a government, as well as the rights and duties of its citizens.
It outlines the framework of the government, the relationship between the government and its citizens, and the distribution of power among the different branches of government.

Supremacy: The constitution is the highest law of the land, and all other laws and government actions must conform to it.
Rigidity: A constitution is difficult to change, requiring a special process or majority vote to amend it.
Entrenchment: A constitution is often entrenched, meaning it cannot be altered by ordinary legislative means.

Written Constitution: A single, comprehensive document that outlines the principles and rules of government (e.g., United States).
Unwritten Constitution: A collection of laws, customs, and conventions that govern the government, but are not codified in a single document (e.g., United Kingdom).

Establishes the government: Outlines the structure and powers of the government, including the relationships between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
Protects individual rights: Guarantees the rights and freedoms of citizens, such as freedom of speech, assembly, and religion.
Limits government power: Establishes checks and balances to prevent the abuse of power by any one branch of government.
Provides a framework for governance: Sets out the rules and procedures for making laws, appointing officials, and conducting government business.

Provides stability and continuity: A constitution ensures that the government operates in a consistent and predictable manner, even in times of change or crisis.
Protects minority rights: A constitution can protect the rights of minority groups from the tyranny of the majority.
Promotes the rule of law: A constitution helps to establish the rule of law, ensuring that government actions are subject to legal limits and scrutiny.

A set of fundamental principles and rules governing the structure, powers, and limitations of a government and citizens' rights and duties.
Outlines the government framework, government-citizen relationships, and power distribution among government branches.

Supremacy: Highest law of the land, with all other laws and government actions conforming to it.
Rigidity: Difficult to change, requiring special process or majority vote to amend.
Entrenchment: Often entrenched, preventing alteration by ordinary legislative means.

Written Constitution: Comprehensive document outlining government principles and rules (e.g., United States).
Unwritten Constitution: Collection of laws, customs, and conventions governing the government, not codified in a single document (e.g., United Kingdom).

Establishes the government: Outlines government structure, powers, and branch relationships.
Protects individual rights: Guarantees citizens' rights and freedoms (e.g., freedom of speech, assembly, religion).
Limits government power: Establishes checks and balances to prevent abuse of power.
Provides a framework for governance: Sets out rules and procedures for lawmaking, official appointments, and government business.

Provides stability and continuity: Ensures consistent and predictable government operation, even in times of change or crisis.
Protects minority rights: Safeguards minority group rights from majority tyranny.
Promotes the rule of law: Establishes legal limits and scrutiny for government actions.