Constitutions

Question 1

What is a constitution ?

Answer 1

A set of rules written or unwritten that sets out the framework of government

Question 2

What are the purposes & importance of Constitutions

Answer 2

• It lays down rules for the political system
• it defines the functions of the branches of government
• it determines who are citizens

Question 3

What is a written (codified) constitution?

Answer 3

A type of constitution that is documented in one single written document

Question 4

What is an unwritten (uncodified) constitution?

Answer 4

rules that aren’t written down in one official document. Instead, these rules come from different sources like laws

Question 5

What liberal democratic states have unwritten constitutions ?

Answer 5

• Britain
• New Zealand
• Israel

Question 6

What are the advantages of written constitutions ?

Answer 6

• Rules can be reverted back to if there is doubt that the government is functioning legally
• It highlights the values and goals of the political system

Question 7

What are the disadvantages of written constitutions ?

Answer 7

• They are hard to change
• Non - elected judges get to decide if laws follow the constitution
• They endorse certain values and principles

Question 8

What are Caribbean constitutions ?

Answer 8

• British laws which was an act made after the country gained independence instead of starting constitutions from scratch

Question 9

What are the main features of the Commonwealth Caribbean constitutions ?

Answer 9

• Supremacy Clause - The constitution is the most important law and if anything clashed with it the constitution wins
• Entrenched Provisions - Some parts of the constitution are so important that you cannot change them easily
• Bill of Rights which is like a list of all rights and freedoms.

Monarchical system

Question 10

What are the types of Monarchies?

Answer 10

Constitutional Monarchy - Where the king and queen does not get involved they leave everything to the government

Absolute Monarchy - The king and queen are in charge of everything

Question 11

What is included in the Republic ?

Answer 11

These countries have a President but the real power lies with the Prime Minister and the government.

Question 12

What is a Presidential Republic?

Answer 12

The president runs everything

Question 13

What is a referendum ?

Answer 13

A referendum is like a big vote or poll inclusive of participation of all people in the country

Question 14

What are the two categories of referendums ?

Answer 14

• Binding
• Advisory

Question 15

What are the advantages of Referendums ?

Answer 15

• Ensures that the government stays in line with public opinion
• Promotes political participation
• Strengthens democracy

Question 16

What are the disadvantages of referendums ?

Answer 16

• Leaves political decisions in the hands of those who have the least education and experience
• Allows politicians to manipulate political agenda
• Can make complicated issues seem too simple by turning big questions into yes or no

Question 17

What is judicial review ?

Answer 17

When the courts checks to make sure the branches of government are playing by the rules (constitution)

Question 18

What is a monarchy ?

Answer 18

A form of government where a king or queen rules the country. The monarch holds authority over the government.

This powers is passed down from one generation to other

Question 19

What is entrenchment ?

Answer 19

Making something really strong or difficult to change

Question 20

What is a republic ?

Answer 20

Where the people gave the power to choose their leaders

Question 21

What are the two doctrines of the constitution?

Answer 21

• The presumption of Constitutionality
• State Action

Question 22

What is the presumption of constitutionality?

Answer 22

Means that when the court look at the law they start by assuming it’s okay unless someone proves it’s not

Question 23

What is the state action ?

Answer 23

Actions by the government or its people that have to follow the rules set by the constitution

Question 24

What are the two types of republican systems ?

Answer 24

• Executive Presidency
• Non executive Presidency

Question 25

What is an executive presidency?

Answer 25

Where the president is directly elected by the people and holds significant power

Question 26

What is the difference between a monarchy and republic

Answer 26

A monarchy is a country led by the king and queen

while in the republic the people have the power to choose their leaders through election

Question 27

What is a non executive presidency?

Answer 27

Where the president isn’t directly elected by the people but instead chosen by parliament

For example : when barbados became a republic

Question 28

What is a non executive presidency?

Answer 28

Where the president isn’t directly elected by the people but instead chosen by parliament

For example : when barbados became a republic

Question 29

What are some of the bill of rights in the constitution

Answer 29

• Protection of the right of life
• Protection from slavery
• Protection of freedom of movement
• Protection from inhuman treatment