A constitution is a set of legal norms that define the fundamental political principles and establish the structure procedures powers and functions of all organs of a state ID: 748695
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Slide1
What is a Constitution?
A constitution is a set of legal norms that define the fundamental political principles and establish the structure, procedures, powers and functions of all organs of a state.
Most national constitutions also guarantee certain rights to the citizens and other human beings present in a country. Slide2
Cont…
Usually, constitutions are codified in a written document. However, for historical or other reasons, some states do not have a formal written constitution.
When these states were established, their institutions and procedures often continued relying on unwritten customs. Slide3
Cont…
Other states have adopted a written constitution only recently after many years of its factual validity and general acceptance.
The United Kingdom for instance, have no single constitutional document comparable to those of other nations. Slide4
Cont…
Not all constitutions are named as such. For instance, the Palestinian and German constitutions are both labeled “Basic Law”.
The Palestinian Basic Law is a temporary constitution for the Palestinian Authority until the establishment of an independent state and a permanent constitution for Palestine.Slide5
Cont…
In Germany, the drafters of the Basic Law avoided the term “constitution” because they regarded the Basic Law as a merely provisional document that was to be superseded by the constitution of a future united Germany.
After reunification, the Basic Law remained in force and the name was kept (although major amendments were made).Slide6
Cont…
In contrast, Saudi Arabia’s avoidance of the term “constitution” is based on religious considerations. Slide7
Regulations in a Constitution
a
constitution’s main functions are
To provide for the structure, institutions and governmental processes of the country.
To assert the values and goals which are the basis of the country’s legal order.
Define and protect the rights of the individuals who either constitute the people of the
country
or are present in the country