THE CONSTITUTION

• • A constitution is a supreme law of the country
• • the constitution is a document that contains the nation's basic and fundamental law outlining the organization of the government and societal priniciples
• • It is a document that contains laws and belief's of a nation, including the powers and responsibilities of the government and rights of citizens
• Constitutionalism on the other hand is government conducted in accordance with and within the bounds established by the fundamental law of the constitution.
• Constitutionalism is the belief that the government power can be limited and its authority is dependent on observing these limitations.
• It refers to the doctrine in this sense the statement of government policy that the government should be faithful to their constitutions and protect citizens rights from the government arbitrary actions and decisions.
• Constitutionalism must be followed and enforced by both the government and the citizens.
• The Constitution of Ethiopia was adopted on December 28th, 1931.
• The second constitution of Ethiopia was written under the rule of Haile Selassie I (1930-1974) and it was called "Fetha Nagast" or "Law of Kings".
• Having a constitution is not an end in itself but rather serves some important purposes.
• The fundamental rational for establishing constitution in any government or the basic purpose of a constitution is to limit the power of the government and authorities of government while also ensuring and safeguarding citizens right.
• The constitution defines state political structure and distribution of government powers [for instance it determines whether a government is federal or unitary].
• The power of government structure is limited by the branches of government namely executive legislative and judiciary. 
• 1.     Legislative : makes the law

  2.     Executive: implements the law

  3.     Judiciary: interprets the law
• It also establishes general rules governing citizens duties and rights as well as ensuring their welfare or safety prosperity health and happiness. (There are to life, liberty, freedom of thought, associations, assembly and freedom from arbitrary arrest or unlawful punishment.)
• It also determines whether a country's government is presidential, parliamentary, republican or monarchical.

   
• It establishes the legitimacy (acceptance) of government in a newly formed state.
• It also reflects the values ideas and goals that appear to be best express the spirit of country’s political culture. 
• Constitution may define the national flag, national anthem and other symbols as instruments of nation building
• Arbitrariness means using power without restriction or the unfair use of power.