TM 28 Notes: What Is A Constitution Constitution
TM 28 Notes: What Is A Constitution Constitution
foundational rules.
WHAT IS A CONSTITUTION
A constitution is a set of rules and principles that - A written law passed by the legislative.
outline how a country's government operates. It
describes how the government's powers are used In short: Constitution = foundation for the whole
and divided among different branches (like the government; Statute = specific law made under
executive, legislative, and judicial) to make sure the constitution.
those powers are exercised for the good of the
people. TYPES OF CONSTITUTIONS
Amendments: Typically involve parliamentary or Examples: The former Soviet Union, China.
public approval (e.g., India).
Origin and History: These constitutions often
emerge after revolutions or coups, consolidating
8. Monarchical Constitution power in a centralized authority, such as after the
Bolshevik Revolution (1917) in Russia.
Definition: A monarchical constitution includes a
monarch (king or queen) as head of state, though Form: Concentrated power with limited
their powers may be limited by the constitution. freedoms.
Examples: The United Kingdom, Japan, and Spain. Amendments: Decreed by the ruling authority
with minimal input (e.g., former Soviet Union).
Origin and History: Many monarchies transitioned
into constitutional monarchies over time, like the
UK, where the monarch’s power became limited The Philippines has had several constitutions
by parliament and law. reflecting its political changes and struggles for
independence:
Form: Monarch with limited powers.
1. 1899 Malolos Constitution: The first
Amendments: May require approval from the republican constitution in Asia, created
monarchy and legislative bodies (e.g., Spain). after declaring independence from
Spain. It established a democratic
9. Democratic Constitution government but was short-lived due to
the Philippine-American War.
Definition: A democratic constitution is based on
the principles of democracy, where the people - Form: Written document.
have the power to elect their leaders and - Amendments: Not applicable (short-
influence government decisions. lived due to war).