Constitutional sources - JSS1 Civic education Lesson Note
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Written Constitutions:
- Some countries have a written constitution, which is a formal, codified document explicitly outlining the fundamental laws and principles of the state. Notable examples include the United States Constitution, the Indian Constitution, and the German Basic Law.
Unwritten Constitutions:
- In contrast, unwritten constitutions are not found in a single, codified document. Instead, they are based on a combination of statutes, common law, conventions, and historical documents. The United Kingdom exemplifies a country with an unwritten constitution.
Statutory Law:
- Constitutions often derive from statutory laws passed by legislative bodies. These laws may address specific aspects of the constitution or amend existing constitutional provisions.
Custom and Tradition:
- Customary practices and traditions can form an integral part of a constitution, especially in societies where legal principles are deeply rooted in historical customs.
Judicial Precedents (Common Law):
- In common law systems, judicial decisions and precedents set by courts contribute to the formation and interpretation of constitutional principles.
Constitutional Conventions:
- Unwritten rules and conventions, often based on political practices and traditions, can become an essential part of a constitution, guiding the behavior of government officials.