CONSTITUTION

AND ITS ROLE

IN SOCIETY © กรบ ลมา ส

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Introduction
overview of the importance of
constitutions in modern societies
A constitution is the supreme law of a country that defines the
structure and functions of the government, the rights and
duties of citizens, and the relationship between the
government and the people. It is an important document that
provides a framework for the governance of a country and
safeguards the rights of its citizens
The importance of constitutions in
modern societies can be summarized
as follows:
They establish the rule of law

They protect the rights of citizens

They limit the power of the government

They promote democracy

They help to resolve conflicts

Constitutions are essential for ensuring that modern societies are governed
fairly and justly.

They provide a framework for the governance of a country, safeguard the

rights of citizens, and limit the power of the government.

 examples
• The United States Constitution has been in effect for over 200
years and has helped to ensure the stability and prosperity of
the United States.

• The Indian Constitution, which was adopted in 1950, has

helped to promote democracy and economic development in
India.

• The South African Constitution, which was adopted in 1996,

has helped to end apartheid and establish a more just and
equitable society.

 What is a Constitution?
Definition of a constitution:
a set of fundamental principles or established precedents.

a document that sets out the basic principles of a country's

government and the rights and duties of its citizens

The term "fundamental principles" refers to the core values and beliefs that a
country is founded on. These principles may include things like democracy,
equality, and freedom. The term "established precedents" refers to the customs
and traditions that have evolved over time and that are considered to be part of
the country's constitution.

important features of a constitution:

• It is the supreme law of the land. This means that all

other laws must be consistent with the constitution.

• It is difficult to change. This is to prevent the

government from changing the constitution to suit its
own interests.

• It is a living document. This means that it can be

interpreted and applied in new ways as society
changes.

constitutions can be written

or unwritten ?
Types of Constitutions

written constitution is a document that sets out the basic

principles of a country's government and the rights and
duties of its citizens. It is usually codified, meaning that it
is written down in a single document. The United States
Constitution is an example of a written constitution.

unwritten constitution is a constitution that is not codified

in a single document. Instead, it is made up of a variety of
sources, such as laws, conventions, and court decisions.
The United Kingdom is an example of a country with an
unwritten constitution.
The granting of Siam's
'permanent' constitution on
10 December 1932
Myanmar's first constitution
adopted by constituent
assembly was enacted for the
Union of Burma in 1947. After
the 1962 Burmese coup d'état,
a second constitution was
enacted in 1974. The country
has been ruled by military
juntas for most of its history.
UNITED STATES FRANCE

BRAZIL CANADA
 NZ SD

NW
as a set of fundamental rights and freedoms
protected by the constitution

The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the

United States Constitution. It was adopted on December 15,
1791, and it protects fundamental rights and freedoms, such as
freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to bear arms,
and the right to due process of law.
Constitutional Amendments
#discussion 1
THE IMPORTANCE OF A
FLEXIBLE CONSTITUTION
THAT CAN ADAPT TO
SOCIETAL CHANGES
The Role of a Constitution in Society
#discussion 2

ITS ROLE IN LIMITING

GOVERNMENT POWER
AND PROTECTING
CITIZENS' RIGHTS
how it prevents any single branch of
government from becoming too powerful ?

Separation of Powers
a principle of government that divides the powers of the state
among different branches, usually the executive, legislative,
and judicial branches. This is intended to prevent any one
branch from becoming too powerful and to ensure that no one
person or group can control the government.
Montesquieu's greatest work, De l'esprit des lois
(The Spirit of Laws), was published in 1748.

a comparative study of
three types of
government:

republic, monarchy,
and despotism.

Montesquieu held that

governmental powers
should be separated and
balanced to guarantee
individual rights and
freedom.

 mechanisms that ensure no branch of

government exceeds its authority

Checks and Balances

the benefits of checks and balances:

• It prevents any one branch of government from
becoming too powerful.
• It ensures that the government is accountable to
the people.
• It promotes stability and good governance.
• It helps to prevent tyranny and abuse of power.

 EQUALIT Y BEFORE THE L AW

ACCOUNTABILIT Y TO THE L AW

THE SUPREMACY OF THE L AW

the principle that everyone, including the government, is subject

to and accountable under the law. It is a fundamental principle of
a just and democratic society
Rule of Law
THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE JUDICIARY

THE TRANSPARENCY OF THE L AW

citizens have a role in shaping and amending the constitution.
This can be done through a variety of ways, such as through
elections, referendums, and constitutional conventions

Constitutional Democracy
a system of government in which the power of
the government is limited by a constitution
 • A constitution
• Limited government
• Checks and balances

key features of a constitutional democracy

• Rule of law
• Separation of powers
• Citizen participation