The Constitution Flashcards

Flashcards about the Constitution

What is a Constitution?

The supreme law of the land to which all other laws are subordinate; A system of laws, customs, and principles, usually written, that governs a country or organization.

What are the two types of Constitution?

Written and Unwritten.

What are the two forms of Constitution?

Rigid and Flexible.

What are the characteristics of a good constitution?

Language must be understandable: protects rights/freedoms; caters to the interests of various groups; protects social, economic and political needs of its citizens; must be stable and stand the test of time; not too rigid or flexible as to encourage tampering.

What is the constitution making process?

Legally acceptable process a country uses to make its constitution.

What are the two main methods of constitution making?

Constituent Assembly (CA) and Constitution Review Commission (CRC).

What is the constitution adoption process?

Process of approving a draft constitution to become an official document.

What are the main methods of constitution adoption?

Constituent Assembly (CA); Through parliament; Through referendum; Through National Constitutional Conference (NCC); Through National Debate.

Why was the Northern Rhodesia Self-government Constitution of 1963 inherited?

Safeguard the rights of white settlers or minorities.

What was the Chona Constitution Review Commission (CRC)?

Chaired by Mainza Chona in 1972, recommended a one-party state.

What was the Mvunga Constitution Review Commission (CRC)?

Chaired by Patrick Mvunga in 1991, recommended re-introduction of multi-party democracy.

What was the Mwanakatwe Constitution Review Commission (CRC)?

Chaired by John Mwanakatwe in 1995, recommended amendment to the parentage clause for presidential candidates.

What was the Mung’omba Constitution Review Commission (CRC)?

Chaired by Willa Mung’omba in 2005, recommended adoption of the constitution through a Constituent Assembly.

What was the Silungwe Technical Committee?

Chaired by Annel Silungwe in 2012, tasked to prepare the Constitution Amendment Bill based on previous CRCs.

What was Bill number 10 of 2019 (Bill 10)?

A draft bill by the National Dialogue Forum (NDF) in 2019, covered topics such as deputy ministers and campaign periods.

What are the main parts of the Zambian Constitution (2016 Amended Constitution)?

Supremacy of the constitution; National values and principles; Human rights (Bill of rights); Citizenship; Representation of the people; Legislature; Executive; Judiciary; General principles of devolved governance; Wards, districts, provinces and provincial administration; Local government; Chieftaincy and House of chiefs; Public service; Pension benefits; Defence and national security; Public finance and budget; Central bank; Service commissions and other independent offices; Land environment and natural resources; General provisions.

What is the importance of a constitution?

Sets out the composition and functions of government wings; ensures democratic governance; provides equal opportunities for individual development; promotes and protects the Rule of Law; safeguards fundamental rights and freedoms.