Social Contract Theory and Its Critics

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

What is the basis of a further subdivision of a rigid constitution?

The extent of the legislature's power

The presence of a supreme court

The number of constitutional articles

Whether the special amending procedure is the sole power of the legislature or some agency outside the legislative has to be brought in (correct)

What is the implication of a constitution being supreme over the legislature?

Some agency outside the legislative has to be brought in for amendment (correct)

The constitution can be altered at will

The legislature has absolute power

The constitution is inferior to the legislature

Which article of the German Federal Republic Constitution protects the federal system from changes?

Article 20

Article 79

Article 1

Not specified in the text (correct)

What is the significance of Article 79 of the German Federal Republic Constitution?

It makes amendments to basic principles inadmissible Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the United States Constitution before 1808?

It had some provisions that were unalterable Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of a constitution being 'entrenched'?

It is a rigid constitution that cannot be easily altered Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of a military constitution?

It is a supreme constitution that limits the power of the legislature Signup and view all the answers

What is a major advantage of a military constitution?

It clearly defines the hierarchical structure of state organs Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of a military constitution?

It leads to competition among state organs Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of a Monarchical Constitution?

The King or Queen is the head of government with limited authority Signup and view all the answers

Who inherits power in a monarchical constitution?

One of the King's or Queen's children Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument of critics of social contract theory?

That people are born into existing societies and have no choice Signup and view all the answers

What is the distinction between the head of government in a monarchical constitution and a republican constitution?

In a monarchical constitution, the head of government is inherited, while in a republican constitution, the head of government is elected Signup and view all the answers

Who are the original proponents of social contract theory mentioned in the passage?

John Locke, David Hume, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the contract between a child and their parents?

Filial contract Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the terms of the filial contract, according to the passage?

The child provides certain pleasures to their parents Signup and view all the answers

When is the filial contract established, according to the passage?

At the moment of bonding between parents and child following birth Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the benefits the child receives according to the filial contract?

Love, support, guidance, and protection from their parents Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of having a written constitution?

It provides a direct source of reference and ensures clarity Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential disadvantage of written constitutions?

They are rigid and cannot be easily amended Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of unwritten constitutions?

They are elastic and adaptable to change Signup and view all the answers

What is a critique of written constitutions?

They do not encompass the totality of the constitution Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential issue with unwritten constitutions?

They are scattered across various legislation and conventions Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between written and unwritten constitutions?

Written constitutions are rigid, while unwritten constitutions are adaptable Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the Constitution's supreme importance in a state?

It reflects the sovereign will of the people. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of a democratic Constitution?

It guarantees the citizens' protection against arbitrary governmental actions. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Constitution specify in a federation?

The division of powers between the central government and the governments of the federating states. Signup and view all the answers

What is a fundamental aspect of the Constitution?

It is binding upon the government and citizens. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Constitution in ensuring the rule of law?

It provides for the independence of the judiciary and rule of law. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary functions of the Constitution?

To lay down the aims, objectives, values, and goals of the people. Signup and view all the answers