Types of Constitutions and Their Sources

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to different types of constitutions and their sources.

Unwritten Constitution

A legal body where principles are not enacted as laws; consists of customs, principles, or traditions.

Codified Constitution

A set of laws created at a specific period of time, generally precise and systematic.

Parliamentary Constitution

A type of constitution that gives power to a parliament, where the head of state can be a prime minister.

Federal Constitution

A constitution that allows for the creation of governments at the state level, connected to a central government.

Majoritarianism

A political concept where the elected majority can enact laws that affect the electorate.

Judicial Precedents

Rulings from courts that become law and serve as a basis for future similar cases.

Legal Constitution

A constitution that is heavily scripted and includes provisions for changes monitored by a legislative body.

Republican Constitution

A constitution that proclaims rights and freedoms for citizens and allows for the selection of political leaders.

Checks and Balances

A principle of governance where separate branches have powers that check and balance each other.

Separation of Powers

A governance model that divides government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions.

Written Constitution

A type of constitution created in documents that codify laws and are deliberately designed by the people.

Dictatorship

A form of government where a single entity holds absolute power and does not adhere to constitutional limits.