Functions of a constitution

Polity & Governance glossary

Topic: Making of the Constitution: Constituent Assembly, Sources and Salient Features · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 1 "Constitution: Why and How?"

Meaning

Class 11 NCERT ("Constitution: Why and How?") lists five functions of a constitution:

  1. It gives basic rules that everyone knows and that can be enforced. This brings coordination (people can plan around each other) and assurance (others will obey the rules too).
  2. It says who decides and how government is formed.
  3. It limits government, mainly through fundamental rights.
  4. It enables government to meet the society's hopes.
  5. It expresses a people's political and moral identity.

Example

India's Constitution limits government through rights such as freedom of speech and freedom from arbitrary arrest. NCERT calls it the "finest example" of a constitution that enables government. South Africa's Constitution also enables government, with promises on housing and health care.

Don't confuse with

  • Limiting and enabling: limiting stops the government from doing harm. Enabling gives it the power and duty to do good, such as reducing inequality. A good constitution does both.

Related concepts

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