What is a Constitution? Civic Education JSS 2 Third Term Lesson Notes

1. What is a Constitution?
   • A constitution is like a rulebook for a country. It has important rules and laws that everyone must follow.
2. Types of Constitutions: a) Written Constitution: This is a constitution that is written down in one document, like a book. Examples include the United States Constitution and the Constitution of Ghana. b) Unwritten Constitution: This type of constitution doesn’t exist in one single document. It’s made up of traditions, customs, and important laws that have developed over time. For example, the Constitution of the United Kingdom is mostly unwritten. c) Rigid Constitution: A rigid constitution is one that is hard to change. The rules are set and can only be changed through a special process, like a vote. d) Flexible Constitution: This type of constitution is easier to change. The rules can be adjusted more easily, often through regular laws passed by the government. e) Federal Constitution: This type of constitution divides power between a central government and smaller governments within the country. The United States has a federal constitution. f) Unitary Constitution: In a unitary constitution, all the power is held by one central government. France is an example of a country with a unitary constitution. g) Confederal Constitution: This type of constitution gives most of the power to smaller governments, with a weaker central government. An example is the Articles of Confederation in the early United States.
3. Written Constitution:
   • It’s like a big book with all the important rules written down.
   • Examples include the US Constitution, Constitution of Australia, and Constitution of Ghana. 📜🌐
4. Unwritten Constitution:
   • Instead of being in one book, it’s made up of traditions and important laws that have developed over time.
   • Example: The United Kingdom’s constitution. 🇬🇧
5. Rigid Constitution:
   • It’s difficult to change because the rules are set and can only be changed through a special process.
   • Example: The US Constitution. 🇺🇸
6. Flexible Constitution:
   • It’s easier to change because rules can be adjusted more easily.
   • Example: Some countries like New Zealand have more flexible constitutions. 🔄
7. Federal Constitution:
   • It divides power between a central government and smaller governments within the country.
   • Example: The United States has a federal constitution. 🏛️
8. Unitary Constitution:
   • All the power is held by one central government.
   • Example: France has a unitary constitution. 🇫🇷
9. Confederal Constitution:
   • Most of the power goes to smaller governments, with a weaker central government.
   • Example: The early United States had a confederal constitution

Evaluation

1. A constitution is like a __________ for a country. a) rulebook b) storybook c) cookbook d) notebook
2. The United States Constitution is an example of a __________. a) flexible constitution b) rigid constitution c) unitary constitution d) confederal constitution
3. The Constitution of the United Kingdom is mostly __________. a) written b) unwritten c) flexible d) rigid
4. In a federal constitution, power is divided between a central government and __________. a) smaller governments b) neighboring countries c) the army d) the president
5. France has a __________ constitution, where all power is held by one central government. a) federal b) unitary c) confederal d) flexible
6. An unwritten constitution is made up of __________. a) traditions and important laws b) written rules in one book c) colorful pictures d) computer code
7. A rigid constitution is difficult to change because the rules are __________. a) flexible b) set c) invisible d) digital
8. The Constitution of Australia is an example of a __________ constitution. a) federal b) unitary c) rigid d) confederal
9. The Articles of Confederation in the early United States had a __________ constitution. a) federal b) unitary c) rigid d) confederal
10. In a flexible constitution, rules can be adjusted more __________. a) easily b) quickly c) slowly d) hardly
11. The Constitution is like a big __________ with all the important rules written down. a) book b) toy c) tree d) cloud
12. Power in a unitary constitution is held by __________. a) one central government b) many smaller governments c) neighboring countries d) the president
13. A constitution can be defined as a body of fundamental rules and __________. a) laws b) stories c) games d) songs
14. The United Kingdom’s constitution is mostly __________. a) written b) unwritten c) flexible d) rigid
15. The Constitution of Ghana is a __________ constitution. a) federal b) unitary c) rigid d) confederal

Class Activity Discussion

1. What is a constitution?
   • A constitution is like a rulebook for a country, with important laws everyone must follow.
2. Why do countries have constitutions?
   • Countries have constitutions to organize how their governments work and protect the rights of their people.
3. What are the types of constitutions?
   • There are written and unwritten constitutions, and they can be flexible or rigid.
4. What is a written constitution?
   • A written constitution is all the important rules written down in one document, like a big book.
5. What is an unwritten constitution?
   • An unwritten constitution is made up of traditions, customs, and important laws that have developed over time.
6. What is a flexible constitution?
   • A flexible constitution is easy to change because the rules can be adjusted more easily.
7. What is a rigid constitution?
   • A rigid constitution is hard to change because the rules are set and can only be changed through a special process.
8. What is a federal constitution?
   • In a federal constitution, power is divided between a central government and smaller governments within the country.
9. What is a unitary constitution?
   • In a unitary constitution, all the power is held by one central government.
10. What is a confederal constitution?
    • In a confederal constitution, most of the power goes to smaller governments, with a weaker central government.
11. Which constitution does the United States have?
    • The United States has a written, federal, and rigid constitution.
12. Which constitution does the United Kingdom have?
    • The United Kingdom has an unwritten and flexible constitution.
13. How do constitutions protect people’s rights?
    • Constitutions include laws and rules that protect the rights and freedoms of citizens.
14. Can constitutions be changed?
    • Yes, constitutions can be changed, but it’s usually not easy and requires a special process.
15. Why are constitutions important?
    • Constitutions are important because they help make sure that everyone is treated fairly and that the government works properly.