Features of the Republican Constitution of 1963 (Parliamentary) - SS2 Government Lesson Note

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The Republican Constitution of 1963 (Parliamentary) had the following features:

· Parliamentary system of government: The constitution established a parliamentary system of government with a Prime Minister as the head of government and a ceremonial President as the head of state.
· Bicameral legislature: The constitution established a bicameral legislature consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives. The Senate was made up of 44 members, while the House of Representatives had 312 members.
· Indirect election of President: The President was elected by an Electoral College made up of members of the Senate, House of Representatives, and state houses of assembly.
· Regional autonomy: The constitution allowed for the creation of regions, each with its own legislature and executive, and provided for revenue sharing between the regions and the federal government.
· Fundamental human rights: The constitution guaranteed fundamental human rights, such as freedom of speech, association, and religion.
· Independent judiciary: The constitution established an independent judiciary with a Supreme Court as the highest court of appeal.
· State creation: The constitution provided for the creation of new states, subject to specific conditions, such as a minimum population size and a certain level of economic viability.
· Citizenship: The constitution defined citizenship and provided for the rights and obligations of citizens.
· Public service: The constitution established a federal civil service and provided for the appointment and removal of public officers.
· Amendment: The constitution could be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of the National Assembly.