Defining Constitutional Law

Black Law’s Dictionary, organic and fundamental, character, conception, basic principles, government, different functions, sovereign power

Q: What is Constitution?

A: According to the ____:

• It is the ____ law of a nation or state which may be written or unwritten

• Establishes:

  • The ____ and ___ of the government

• Laying the ___ to which its eternal life to be conformed

• Organizing the ____

• Regulating, distributing, and limiting:

  • The government’s ___

• Prescribes:

  • The extent and manner of the exercise of ____

Written Constitution, Unwritten Constitution

Q: What are the two kinds of Constitutions?

formal instrument, body politic, law

Q: Define Written Constitution 

A: Provisions that are reduced into a ____ and ratified by the ___ under certain formalities prescribed by ___

Written

Exercise: Identify if the following are Written or Unwritten Constitution Examples

The Constitution of the United States, drafted in 1787 and still in effect today.

Unwritten

Exercise: Identify if the following are Written or Unwritten Constitution Examples

In the United Kingdom, the Prime Minister is always a Member of Parliament, even though it is not written in any single document.

Written

Exercise: Identify if the following are Written or Unwritten Constitution Examples

India's Constitution, adopted in 1950, is the longest written constitution in the world.

Unwritten

Exercise: Identify if the following are Written or Unwritten Constitution Examples

In Britain, it is traditional that the monarch gives Royal Assent to all bills passed by Parliament, though it is not strictly enforced in a legal document.

Written

Exercise: Identify if the following are Written or Unwritten Constitution Examples

Japan’s post-WWII constitution was drafted under Allied supervision and officially written in 1947.

Unwritten

Exercise: Identify if the following are Written or Unwritten Constitution Examples

Canada follows certain British traditions in its constitutional practices, such as the concept of responsible government.

Unwritten

Exercise: Identify if the following are Written or Unwritten Constitution Examples

In New Zealand, many constitutional practices are based on custom and common law, without a single written constitution.

Written

Exercise: Identify if the following are Written or Unwritten Constitution Examples

South Africa’s post-apartheid constitution, enacted in 1996, is a fully codified document.

Unwritten

Exercise: Identify if the following are Written or Unwritten Constitution Examples

The unwritten rule in the UK that the King must remain politically neutral.

Written

Exercise: Identify if the following are Written or Unwritten Constitution Examples

The Philippine Constitution of 1987, created after the fall of the Marcos regime.

Constitutional Commission (ConCom), Proclamation No. 9

Q: Who wrote the 1987 Philippine Constitution and it is pursuant to what Proclamation?

President Corazon Aquino, 1986

Q: Who issued Proclamation No. 9 and when?

February 2, 1987

Q: When was the 1987 Constitution ratified in a plebiscite, hence celebrated as Constitution Day?