The functions of a Constitution
Posted by Chester Morton / Monday, 21 November 2016 / No comments
Definition
A constitution
can be defined as rules, regulations, customs and conventions according to
which a country is governed. A constitution may be written or unwritten one. It
is called a written constitution when all the laws are codified into a single
document but where it is made up mainly of conventions and customs with a few
written ones, and then it is called an unwritten constitution.
FUNCTIONS OF A CONSTITUTION
Sets up institutions of
state
One of the
functions of a constitution is to establish the organs of government such as
the executive, legislature and the judiciary. The constitution also sets up
other relevant institutions of state. In Ghana, some of these institutions
established by the constitution include the National Media Commission, the
Electoral Commission etc.
Determines the form of
government
Another
function of a constitution is to pre-determine the form of government that the
country must practice. It, for example, determined whether the state should
practice a parliamentary or presidential system of government.
Prescribes the functions
of government
Another
function of a constitution is to outline the various functions of government
and the all the institutions established by it. For example, there are specific
functions that a legislature, judiciary of an executive should perform.
Determines the type of
party system
It is also
the function of a constitution to pre-determine the type of party system a
country should adopt. The constitution could therefore allow, by law, that the
country should operate multi-party, two-party or a one party system of
government.
Source of prestige
When a
country becomes independent of her colonial masters, one of the various ways by
which she would be recognized is for it to have her own unique constitution.
Most modern states use it to show the world that they have also attained independence.
SAMPLE QUESTION
1. a. Define
a constitution.
b. Highlight five functions of a
constitution.
