Ch5

• What is the main focus of Chapter Five in MCED 1011?


  The core meanings and notions of human rights, constitution, and democracy
• What will students be able to recognize after completing this chapter?

  The definitions of Human Rights, constitution, and democracy
• What nature and characteristics will students be aware of after this chapter?

  The nature and characteristics of Human Rights
• What will students learn about the classifications of Human Rights?


  Students will be familiar with the classifications and categories of Human Rights
• How will students differentiate between constitution and constitutionalism?


  By understanding their definitions and implications
• What will students examine regarding constitutions?


  The classifications of constitution
• What roles will students identify in the context of democratization?


  The roles of the actors of democratization
• What evolution will students learn about in this chapter?


  The evolution and development of Human Rights and Democracy
• What central values will students understand regarding democracy?


  The central values and principles of democracy
• What does the term 'constitution' signify in a political sense?


  The constitution of the state
• How has the term 'constitution' evolved in its connotation?


  It has become another term for a 'democratic political order'
• What is the figurative definition of a constitution?


  The fundamental or basic law of a state
• What does a constitution list alongside the rights of citizens?


  The limits on the power exercised by a government
• What is the role of a constitution in relation to other laws?


  It is the blueprint placed on top of the hierarchy of laws
• How does a constitution adjust the powers of government and rights of the governed?


  By outlining principles according to which these powers are adjusted
• What does a constitution regulate in terms of government and individuals?


  The relationship among government institutions and between the state and individuals
• Why is a constitution referred to as the 'mother of all laws'?


  Because all other ordinary laws are derived from it
• What happens to laws that contradict the provisions of the constitution?


  They become void or invalid
• What common elements do most constitutions contain?


  They take the form of a contract or agreement between the ruled and the rulers
• What is the significance of limitations on rulers in a constitution?


  They are exacted by the ruled in exchange for governance
• What are the distinctive features of a constitution?


  • Generality: Provides general principles and framework for laws
  • Permanency: Made for an undefined period, stable and permanent
  • Supremacy: Supreme law that takes precedence over all others
  • Codified document: Written down in a systematic manner
  • Allocation of powers: Outlines relations between institutions and citizens
• What is the framework for government provided by a constitution?


  A plan for organizing the operation of government
• How does a constitution limit the powers of government?


  By ensuring officials abide by the constitution
• What does a constitution protect regarding citizens?


  The individual and collective rights of citizens
• What is the supreme law of a country?


  The constitution
• How does a constitution provide government legitimacy?


  By formalizing relationships between political bodies and citizens
• What ideological aspect does a constitution encompass?


  It reflects the aspirations of the people for their governance
• How are constitutions classified based on form?


  As written and unwritten constitutions
• What defines a written constitution?


  A formal document with detailed provisions
• What are the merits of a written constitution?


  It is accessible, clear, and stable
• What are the demerits of a written constitution?


  It can be rigid and difficult to adapt
• What characterizes an unwritten constitution?


  It consists of customs, conventions, and traditions
• What are the merits of an unwritten constitution?


  It is elastic and adaptable
• What are the demerits of an unwritten constitution?


  It is not easily accessible and can lead to instability
• What are the major purposes and functions of a constitution?


  1. Framework for Government
  2. Limits the Powers of Government
  3. Protects individual and collective rights
  4. Supreme Law of a Country
  5. Provides Government legitimacy/stability
  6. Blueprints for establishing Values and Goals
• What is the purpose of a constitution in relation to government organization?


  It serves as a framework for organizing government operations
• How does a constitution protect citizens' rights?


  By defining the relationship between the state and individuals
• What does the constitution serve as in terms of law?


  It serves as the supreme law of a country
• How does a constitution provide stability to a government?


  By regulating relationships and resolving conflicts
• What does the preamble of a constitution often express?


  The fundamental aims and principles of the state