CH 4 Part 2

Activity 4
Work as a whole class to write a preamble to your classroom rules. You can
follow the preamble format. For example: “We the students of _____ class,
in order to form a more perfect union and relationship, establish _____ ,
insure _____, provide for,_______ promote ______, and secure _____, do
ordain and establish this rules and regulation for our classroom.”
4.3. The importance of constitutionalism

At the end of this section, you will be able to:
1Describe the importance of constitutionalism;
1 Appreciate the importance of constitutionalism.
Can you mention the importance of the

constitutionalism?
Enhances democratic system
Picture 4.5. Parliament convened and officials are briefing the
parliament
C it iz e ns h ip E d u c a t io n G ra d e 8 S t u d e nt t e x t b o o k 129
You learned in unit three that democracy is a system that establishes
some basic principles by which a government, whatever its form,
must be governed. Justice, equity, freedom, liberty, openness,
accountability, and transparency are examples of such principles in
government. In this context, constitutionalism provides guidance
to democracy in terms of individual rights, limited government,
and checks and balances. Without the support of constitutionalism,
democratic consolidation is incomplete because constitutionalism
entails adhering to both the letter and spirit of the constitution.
It enables the government to put the constitution’s values and
principles into action, which are essential components of a
democratic system. This, in turn, leads to the presence of thriving
democracy in a given state. Meanwhile, it is not an exaggeration
to claim that constitutionalism provides the principles that govern
democratic government.
Promotes Equality before the law
Picture 4.6. Rule of Law
130 C it iz e ns h ip E d u c a t io n G ra d e 8 S t u d e nt t e x t b o o k
The presence of constitutionalism in a given country would create
an opportunity in which no one is above the law, regardless of
position or wealth. As a result, the law should not be twisted to
benefit any individual, whether rich or poor, young or old, king or
servant, literate or illiterate, etc. As a result, the principle states that
all citizens of a country should have equal access to legal facilities,
a fair hearing, and legal advice in a court of law.
Provides limited and accountable government
The primary goal of constitutionalism is to limit governmental

power, to check and restrain those who hold public office and wield
political power. According to constitutionalism, those who govern
should not be absolute. The exercise of their functions and authority
is constrained by a constitutional provision. Constitutionalism
is linked to the concept of limited government by establishing
mechanisms for holding officials accountable to the electorate,
separation of powers, checks and balances, human rights protection,
and so on.
On the other hand, the ruling officials are bound by laws approved
by the people and must account to them for their actions. The
right of the people to vote on competing parties on a regular basis
ensures that ruling officials are at least minimally accountable and
responsive to the governed.
Leaders who consistently fail to meet the majority’s demands will
be replaced by competitors in the next election. Constitutionalism
ensures that the government acts as a trustee for the people.
Activity 5
Individual activity, group discussion and think pairs
a Discuss in groups how constitutionalism strengthens a democratic
system and share your knowledge with your partners.
a What is the relationship and difference between the rule of law and
constitutionalism, in your opinion? Work in pairs and present your
findings to the class.
a What is the advantage of holding the government accountable?
Respect for Fundamental Human Rights
Figure 4.7. A group of people are expressing their views in a
demonstration.
Individual rights must be incorporated into a constitution and other

laws, but this is not an end in itself.
It is merely a means to an end. It must be demonstrated that these
rights are respected and protected. Constitutionalism strengthens
the practical protection of citizens’ fundamental human rights. This
principle contends that citizens of a country should have certain
fundamental inalienable rights and liberties, violations of which
they have the right to seek redress in a court of law. A violation
of these liberties constitutes a violation of the provisions of the
constitution. As a result, constitutionalism ensures the fundamental
human rights, personal liberty, and freedom that are at the heart of
democracy.
Activity 6
Do you think that the government is the only duty bearer in protecting
individual and group rights? Why and why not discuss with your group.
Copy this table into your exercise book, form groups to discuss and list on
your basic human rights under the FDRE and regional constitution. One
example is provided.
FDRE constitution Regional constitution
1 The right to life The right to life

2
3
4
Ensures Popular Sovereignty
Figure 4.8. Nations, Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia.
The legitimacy of any governmental power is derived from public

consent. In other words, the people give the government their
mandate. The general public is involved in the decision making
process, which can take various forms. The most obvious is the
representative election.
Constitutionalism advocates for every adult’s right to vote and be

voted for in all political elections. When the public loses faith in its
representatives, and the latter fail to represent the public’s interests,
representatives may be recalled before their term of office expires.
Promoting the common good:
Figure 4.9. Workers are highly engaged in the construction of
Ethiopian Grand Renaissance Dam
V What do you understand from this image?
Constitutionalism also allows all citizens to work together toward

a common goal. The term “common good” refers to the primacy of
social interests over personal interests. In other words, it denotes
the subordination of personal interests to the good or benefit of
the community. The promotion of community interest promotes a
common goal from which all individuals benefit.
4.4 The Classifications of the constitution
At the end of this section, you will be able to:

1Distinguish the different types of constitution;
1 Appreciate the various classifications of constitutions;
1 Evaluate the difference between written and unwritten
constitution;
1 Identify Flexible and Rigid Constitutions;
1 Examine the procedures for constitutional amendment.
Constitutions of states in various political systems differ in terms of

their principles on the distribution of political power, the structural
separation of authority among the various branches of government,
the limits they set on government authority, as well as their amend-
ment procedures and forms. As a result, state constitutions can be
divided into the following categories:
What do you understand about the written constitution?

What do you think is an unwritten constitution?

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Activity 4

4.3. The importance of constitutionalism

Can you mention the importance of the

Enhances democratic system

Picture 4.5. Parliament convened and officials are briefing the

Promotes Equality before the law

Picture 4.6. Rule of Law

Provides limited and accountable government

The primary goal of constitutionalism is to limit governmental

Respect for Fundamental Human Rights

Figure 4.7. A group of people are expressing their views in a

Individual rights must be incorporated into a constitution and other

FDRE constitution Regional constitution

1 The right to life The right to life

Figure 4.8. Nations, Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia.

The legitimacy of any governmental power is derived from public

Constitutionalism advocates for every adult’s right to vote and be

Figure 4.9. Workers are highly engaged in the construction of

Ethiopian Grand Renaissance Dam

V What do you understand from this image?

Constitutionalism also allows all citizens to work together toward

At the end of this section, you will be able to:

Constitutions of states in various political systems differ in terms of

What do you understand about the written constitution?

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