Typical Functions of a constitution
1. Identify the various forms of authority (e.g. legislative, executive, judicial);
2. Define/allocate the powers of each and their relations to each other;
3. Identify the institutions or individuals who will exercise the various forms of authority and how th...
Definition of a 'Regime' - ANSWER-What defines a political community and gives it its
basic identity/characters. The regime refers to a country's fundamental political
institutions and the basic principles that inform them.
Definition of a Constitution - ANSWER-a body of fundamental principles or established
precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be
governed.
Typical Functions of a constitution - ANSWER-1. Identify the various forms of authority
(e.g. legislative, executive, judicial);
2. Define/allocate the powers of each and their relations to each other;
3. Identify the institutions or individuals who will exercise the various forms of authority
and how they are to be chosen;
4. Identify the basic rules or procedures governing how the basic institutions will
operate.
5. Set out the relationship between the various forms of authority and the citizens (e.g.
their rights and obligations).
Examples of Preambles to Constitutions - ANSWER-Saudi Arabia - The Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia is a sovereign Arab islamic state with Islam as its religion; God's Book and
the Sunnah of His Prophet, God's prayers and peace be upon him, are its constitution.
France - France is an indivisible, secular, democratic and social Republic. It ensures the
equality of all citizens before the law, without distinction of origin, race or religion. It
respects all beliefs. It is organized on a decentralized basis. Statutes promotes equal
access by men and women to elective offices and posts as well as to professional and
social positions.
China - The PRC is a socialist state under the people's democractic dictatorship led by
the working class and based on the alliance of workers and peasants. The socialist
, system is the basic system of the PRC. Sabotage of the socialist system by any
organization or individual is prohibited.
Core constitutional documents of Canada: Key provisions - ANSWER-Constitution Act
1867: Key provisions
Executive power
Legislative Power
Distribution of powers between federal and provincial governments
judicature/judicial power
Constitution Act 1982: Key Provisions
Charter of the Rights and Freedoms
Rights of the Aboriginal Peoples in Canada
Procedures for amending the constitution
Definition of Canada's Constitution - ANSWER-Constitution of Canada = constitutional
law + constitutional conventions
Principle of Responsible Government - ANSWER-The executive branch (i.e. the
government) is answerable to the elected legislative assembly. In order to rule, the
executive branch must be supported by a majority of members of the legislative
assembly (i.e. it must maintain the confidence of a majority of the elected
representatives of the people).
Key features of a parliamentary system - ANSWER-No strict separation between the
executive and legislative powers.
Government that loses confidence of a majority in the elected assembly must step down
Strict party discipline/strong parties (because government might fall if loses confidence
vote.)
Elections can take place anytime.
Government not automatically party with most seats, but whichever can maintain
confidence of majority in legislature.
Key constitutional provisions regarding executive power - ANSWER-Executive power is
vested in the Queen (clause 9)
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller tuition. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $10.49. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
