CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY
FIRST TERM E-LEARNING NOTE
SUBJECT: CIVIC EDUCATION
CLASS: SS 3
WEEK TWO
CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY
Constitutional democracy is a government of the people, by the people and for the people which is based on the supremacy of the constitution. It can also be explained as a democratic system in which the will of the people prevail, their fundamental human rights recognized and protected, and the principle of rule of law strictly adhered to. It is a form of democracy founded, operated and controlled by the provisions of the constitution.
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Democracy is a form of government in which all citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. This includes the right to vote and run for office, as well as freedom of speech, religion and assembly. In a true democracy, the will of the people is reflected in
legislation and policies adopted by elected representatives. The principles of democracy are enshrined in the constitutions and charters of many nations around the world.
Despite this, there are some who argue that true democracy does not exist in any country today. They believe that governments do not act in the best interests of their citizens but rather for their own self-interests. Others feel that the concept of democracy is too closely aligned with capitalism, and that it does not actually provide a level playing field for citizens. Still others hold that some democratic systems are more representative than others. For example, in many countries, voting rights are only given to those who own property or have a certain amount of wealth.
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TYPES OF CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY
- DIRECT DEMOCRACY
This is also known as classical democracy. It is a form of democracy in which all adult citizens take active part in the management and political running of the state. This type of democracy was practiced in Athens, the ancient city of Greece.
- INDIRECT DEMOCRACY
This is also called representative democracy. This form of democracy is built on the principle of majority rule because it allows a few elected representatives to make decisions and formulate policies on behalf of the people. In other words, a representative democracy is a type of democracy in which registered and qualified electorates vote during an election to determine who will represent their interest in government.
Representative government becomes important and replaces direct democracy as a result of the complexity in the structure and system of the modern state or society which has made the direct form of democracy inappropriate and ineffective. Virtually all states in the world practicing democracy today operate a representative democracy.
Constitutional democracy is a form of government in which the power to govern rests with the people, as expressed through elected representatives. This includes the protection of basic rights and freedoms for all citizens, such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly. In addition, it usually involves a system of checks and balances that prevents any one branch or group from gaining too much power. Constitutional democracies also generally have provisions for the peaceful transition of power, either through elections or other mechanisms. Examples of constitutional democracies can be found in countries like the United States, Canada, and many European nations.
EVALUATION
- What is constitutional democracy?
- Explain indirect democracy.
FEATURES OF CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY
- POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY
In a constitutional democracy, the people possess the final political authority in making decisions that relate to public issues. They also have the power to remove any of their representatives that fails to represent their interest in government by not voting for such candidates in subsequent elections. Thus, the citizens’ opinions should be respected in a true democracy.
- MAJORITY RULE
Democracy is a game of number, the candidate who enjoys popular acceptance by getting the highest vote usually wins election. The principle of majority rule further explains that government decisions must reflect popular interests and opinion of the people.
- MINORITY RIGHT
In a true democracy, majority have their way and minority have their say. The interest and opinion of the people who are in the minority group is usually unpopular and as a result they tend to be intimidated. However, constitutional democracy ensures that the minority interest is protected and their opinion listened to. It also ensures that everybody in the state enjoys their fundamental human rights as provided by the constitution.
- RULE OF LAW
Constitutional democracy operates with the principle of rule of law which states that everybody is equal before the law and that the law of a state is supreme.
- PERIODIC ELECTION
Constitutional democracy is characterized by a regular and periodic election. This election must be free and fair, and the electoral body must be allowed to operate independently without interference.
- EQUAL ACCESS TO POLICAL OPPORTUNITIES
In constitutional democracy, everybody has equal rights to vote and contest during election. The voting during election must be one man, one vote. Also, sex and socio-economic status should not be used as a means of political discrimination.
- INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY
The judiciary in a constitutional democracy operates as an independent body which is free from the influence of the executive and legislative arms of government.
EVALUATION
- What is democracy?
- State the features of constitutional democracy.
1. What is the definition of constitutional democracy?
A. A government in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf
B. A government in which people have equal rights and protections regardless of their social or economic status
C. A system of governance that is based on the rule of law and separation of powers
D. A government in which the majority of people hold power and influence, often at the expense of minority groups
2. What does the term “checks and balances” refer to in a constitutional democracy?
A. The system of judicial review that allows courts to strike down laws that are deemed unconstitutional or violate human rights protections
B. The power held by each branch of government to limit or constrain the actions of the other branches
C. The process through which political parties nominate and select candidates for elected office
D. The provision that allows citizens to vote on major policy decisions, such as tax increases or military action
3. How does a constitutional democracy facilitate the peaceful transition of power?
A. Through the use of term limits for elected leaders, which prevent them from holding office indefinitely
B. By providing ways for citizens to peacefully protest and express their dissatisfaction with the current government
C. Through the established processes for impeaching or removing public officials who have committed crimes or abused their authority
D. Through the use of proportional representation and other electoral systems designed to accurately reflect voter preferences
4. Why is it argued that constitutional democracies do not always provide a level playing field for all citizens?
A. Because they typically involve some form of economic or social stratification, such as unequal access to education, healthcare, or political influence
B. Because there is often a disconnect between the views and preferences of the public and policy outcomes
C. Because their systems of governance may be too complex or unwieldy for ordinary citizens to fully understand or engage with
D. Because they are often dominated by political parties or other elite groups that have disproportionate influence over decision-making processes and outcomes
5. How can constitutional democracies be improved to better serve the needs and interests of all citizens?
A. By creating stronger, more accessible social safety nets that provide universal access to healthcare and education
B. By increasing the transparency and accountability of government institutions, so that citizens can better track political decisions and hold elected officials accountable for their actions
C. By establishing systems of direct democracy or participatory governance, such as referenda, citizen assemblies, and public consultations
D. By implementing electoral reforms that encourage more voter participation and reduce the influence of special interest groups or political elites over electoral outcomes
1. What is the definition of constitutional democracy?
A constitutional democracy is a system of government in which the power and authority of the state are defined and limited by a written constitution that is upheld and enforced by a set of democratic institutions, including elected legislative bodies, an independent judiciary, and various representative structures such as political parties.
2. What does the term “checks and balances” refer to in a constitutional democracy?
In a constitutional democracy, the concept of checks and balances refers to the power held by each branch of government to limit or constrain the actions of the other branches. This is intended to help ensure that no single faction or interest group can seize control of the state, and that all citizens have a voice in the decision-making process.
3. How does constitutional democracy differ from other forms of government, such as authoritarian or totalitarian regimes?
In contrast to constitutional democracies, authoritarian and totalitarian governments are characterized by a lack of constraints on the power held by political leaders, who often rule through force and coercion rather than through consent and popular support. These more centralized forms of government are often associated with a lack of respect for civil liberties and human rights, including freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly. Additionally, they typically involve the suppression or persecution of opposition political parties and other dissenting voices.
GENERAL EVALUATION
- Define constitutional democracy.
- Explain the features of constitutional democracy
- Give four advantages of this system of government.
- Mention five causes of cultism.
- How can the problem of cultism be solved?
READING ASSIGNMENT
Fundamentals of Civic Education for Senior Secondary Schools Book 3, Sola Akinyemi.Pg. 89.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
- An organization that can present candidates for election is called (a) pressure group (b) political party (c) electoral commission
- The act of choosing a leader by voting is called (a) franchise (b) appointment (c) election
- ___ is a document that contains the name and details of people who are qualified to vote during election (a) ballot paper (b) ballot box (c) voters register
- Which of these forms of government best promote the principle of rule of law? (a) democracy (b) monarchy (c) oligarchy
- Democracy means ___ (a) rule by the rich people (b) rule by a few people (c) rule by the people
THEORY
- State the types of constitutional democracy.
- Explain four features of constitutional democracy.