Outline the major features of the constitution of a state.

Answer Details

Major features of the constitution of a state

A constitution is the body of fundamental rules and principles by which a state is governed. Its major features include:

1. The form of government: It states whether the government is unitary or federal, presidential or parliamentary, republican or monarchical.
2. Provisions on the organs of government: It establishes the legislature, the executive and the judiciary and defines their composition, powers and functions.
3. Separation of powers and checks and balances: It shows how powers are shared among the arms of government and how each checks the others.
4. Fundamental human rights: It guarantees the basic rights and freedoms of citizens, such as the right to life, liberty, fair hearing and freedom of expression.
5. The rule of law: It provides that government and citizens alike are subject to the law and that all are equal before the law.
6. Amendment procedure: It lays down the method by which the constitution itself may be altered or amended.
7. Citizenship provisions: It states who the citizens of the state are and how citizenship may be acquired or lost.
8. Supremacy clause: It usually declares itself the supreme law of the land, so that any other law inconsistent with it is null and void.