3.3.1 Comparing Constitutions

• One key function of a constitution is limiting government power
• In a parliamentary system, the executive depends on the confidence of the legislative branch.


  True
• A constitution defines the organization, structure, and powers of a government
• A constitution ensures that government authority is not absolute
• What is an example of a country with an uncodified constitution?

  United Kingdom
• What is the purpose of checks and balances in a constitution?

  Mutual accountability
• What is one source of constitutional principles?

  Historical influences
• The sources and development of a constitution can impact its long-term stability.


  True
• When comparing constitutions, various methods help highlight different aspects of each document
• Structural analysis identifies checks and balances within a constitution.

  True
• A constitution defines the organization, structure, and powers of a government
• A codified constitution is a single, written document
• A constitution typically includes elements such as separation of powers, checks and balances, and a bill of rights
• Federalism allows for shared sovereignty between a central and regional government.


  True
• Federalism is the division of power between a central government and regional or state
• A constitution is a set of fundamental principles and rules that define the organization, structure, and powers of a government
• In a presidential system, the executive is directly elected and independent from the legislative branch.
• What is one key function of a constitution?

  Protecting rights and freedoms
• Codified constitutions are generally more stable and resistant to change
• The separation of powers divides government into the executive, legislative, and judicial branches
• Match the type of constitution with its characteristic:

  Rigid ↔️ Requires special procedures to amend

  Flexible ↔️ Easily amended through legislation
• In a parliamentary system, the executive is dependent on the confidence of the legislative branch.


  True
• Order the steps in the development of a constitution:

  1️⃣ Convene a constitutional convention

  2️⃣ Debate and negotiate provisions

  3️⃣ Ratify the constitution
• Methods for comparing constitutions include historical context, structural analysis, and judicial interpretation
• Examining the social, political, and economic conditions at the time the constitution was written is called historical context.
• Match the method with its purpose:

  Rights Protection ↔️ Determines the scope and enforceability of rights

  Amendment Procedures ↔️ Gauges the flexibility of the document

  Judicial Interpretation ↔️ Understanding the evolution of constitutional principles
• Arrange the key functions of a constitution in logical order.

  1️⃣ Establishing the framework of government

  2️⃣ Protecting rights and freedoms

  3️⃣ Limiting government power
• Match the type of constitution with its feature:

  Codified ↔️ Explicitly outlines rights and powers

  Uncodified ↔️ Rights and powers can be interpreted differently
• Checks and balances ensure mutual accountability among the branches of government
• Match the type of constitution with its advantage:

  Codified ↔️ Provides stability and resistance to change

  Uncodified ↔️ More adaptable to evolving social norms
• A rigid constitution provides stability but is less adaptable
• Steps in the process of drafting and adopting a constitution:

  1️⃣ Convene a constitutional convention

  2️⃣ Debate and negotiate provisions

  3️⃣ Ratify through popular vote or legislature
• Match the structural analysis of constitutions with its benefit:

  Checks and balances ↔️ Identifies separation of powers

  Division of powers ↔️ Allocates authority
• What are the key characteristics being contrasted in the amendment processes of the U.S. and New Zealand constitutions?

  Flexibility and adaptability
• What historical event motivated the framers of the U.S. Constitution?

  Failure of the Articles of Confederation
• What document is compared to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to assess rights protection?

  Other constitutions
• What motivated the writing of the U.S. Constitution in the late 18th century?

  Need for a stronger government
• How is the U.S. Constitution amended?

  Supermajority in Congress and ratification by states
• What is the main focus of the U.S. Bill of Rights?

  Protecting individual rights
• What is the role of the prime minister in a parliamentary system?

  Executive dependent on legislature