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Is the preamble to the South African Constitution considered part of the legislation?
Is the preamble to the South African Constitution considered part of the legislation?
What distinguishes the preamble of the South African Constitution from that of an ordinary statute?
What distinguishes the preamble of the South African Constitution from that of an ordinary statute?
What information does the preamble of a constitution typically contain?
What information does the preamble of a constitution typically contain?
According to the South African Constitution, what is the role of the courts?
According to the South African Constitution, what is the role of the courts?
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What is the general rule regarding the applicability of the law, including the Constitution, in South Africa?
What is the general rule regarding the applicability of the law, including the Constitution, in South Africa?
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Is the South African Constitution self-executing?
Is the South African Constitution self-executing?
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Are there any provisions in the South African Constitution that are not supreme?
Are there any provisions in the South African Constitution that are not supreme?
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Which part of the Constitution must the provisions be interpreted and applied within?
Which part of the Constitution must the provisions be interpreted and applied within?
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What is the purpose of interpreting the Preamble as an integral part of the Constitution?
What is the purpose of interpreting the Preamble as an integral part of the Constitution?
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Why is it useful to regard the state as a juristic person?
Why is it useful to regard the state as a juristic person?
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What is the overall responsibility and constitutional obligation of the state?
What is the overall responsibility and constitutional obligation of the state?
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Which values are considered the founding values of the South African Constitution?
Which values are considered the founding values of the South African Constitution?
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What is the importance of the South African Constitution being the supreme law of the state?
What is the importance of the South African Constitution being the supreme law of the state?
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What does the supremacy clause of the South African Constitution establish?
What does the supremacy clause of the South African Constitution establish?
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What did the First Certification Judgment confirm about the supremacy of the South African Constitution?
What did the First Certification Judgment confirm about the supremacy of the South African Constitution?
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What are the four main objectives of the South African Constitution as set out in the preamble?
What are the four main objectives of the South African Constitution as set out in the preamble?
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What is the interpretative significance of the preamble of the South African Constitution?
What is the interpretative significance of the preamble of the South African Constitution?
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What did the SA CC state about the importance of the preamble of the Constitution?
What did the SA CC state about the importance of the preamble of the Constitution?
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When can the preamble be used for interpretation purposes?
When can the preamble be used for interpretation purposes?
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What is the purpose of the principles of co-operation between levels/spheres of the SA government?
What is the purpose of the principles of co-operation between levels/spheres of the SA government?
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How is the composition of the South African government described?
How is the composition of the South African government described?
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Why is a multi-tiered government considered essential in South Africa?
Why is a multi-tiered government considered essential in South Africa?
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What is the aim of the principles of co-operative government?
What is the aim of the principles of co-operative government?
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What is the main difference between the divided model and the integrated model of federalism?
What is the main difference between the divided model and the integrated model of federalism?
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What was the basis of dual federalism in the early governmental system of the USA?
What was the basis of dual federalism in the early governmental system of the USA?
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What is the purpose of the principles of co-operative government?
What is the purpose of the principles of co-operative government?
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Study Notes
The South African Constitution
- The preamble to the South African Constitution is considered part of the legislation.
Characteristics of the Preamble
- The preamble of the South African Constitution is distinguished from an ordinary statute by its inclusive and aspirational language.
- A preamble typically contains information about the history, values, and objectives of the constitution.
Role of the Courts
- The role of the courts, according to the South African Constitution, is to interpret and apply the Constitution.
Applicability of the Law
- The general rule regarding the applicability of the law, including the Constitution, in South Africa is that it applies to all persons, organs of state, and natural and juristic persons.
Self-Executing Nature of the Constitution
- The South African Constitution is self-executing, meaning that it is directly applicable and enforceable.
Supremacy of the Constitution
- The Constitution is the supreme law of the state, and all laws, norms, and conduct are subject to its provisions.
- The supremacy clause of the South African Constitution establishes the Constitution as the highest authority.
- The First Certification Judgment confirmed the supremacy of the South African Constitution.
Founding Values and Objectives
- The founding values of the South African Constitution include human dignity, equality, and freedom.
- The four main objectives of the South African Constitution, as set out in the preamble, are to heal the divisions of the past, establish a society based on democratic values, improve the quality of life of all citizens, and free the potential of each person.
Interpretative Significance of the Preamble
- The preamble has interpretative significance, and its values and objectives guide the interpretation of the Constitution.
- The SA CC stated that the preamble is an integral part of the Constitution and provides a framework for understanding its provisions.
- The preamble can be used for interpretation purposes when there is ambiguity or uncertainty in the text of the Constitution.
Government Structure
- The composition of the South African government is described as a multi-tiered system, consisting of national, provincial, and local spheres of government.
- The principles of co-operative government aim to promote co-operation and mutual respect between these spheres of government.
Federalism
- The South African system of government is characterized as a hybrid system, blending elements of both federal and unitary systems.
- The main difference between the divided model and the integrated model of federalism is the level of autonomy granted to constituent units.
- Dual federalism, as seen in the early governmental system of the USA, is characterized by a clear distinction between national and state powers.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the Preamble of the Constitution and its significance with this quiz. Explore how the Preamble establishes the basic design and fundamental purpose of the Constitution, and learn how it influences the interpretation and application of its provisions.