Glossary

Amendment: is simply the process of changing or modifying a

country’s constitutional provisions in order to adapt to current or
changing circumstances.
Checks and balances: is where each branch of government has
the ability to “check,” or limit, the power of the other.
Constitution: is the document that contains the nation’s basic and
fundamental law, outlining the organisation of the government and
the societal principles.
Constitutionalism: is a form of political governance in which
state power is exercised in accordance with the established rules
outlined in the constitution.
Limited government: a government in which Laws limit the
power of the government in order to protect individual rights and
liberties.

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 Unit Review Questions

Do these review exercises in your exercise book

Part I: True or False Items

1. Unlike other laws, the Constitution is the fundamental law

of a given state.
2. The existence of a constitution is a grantee for the protection
of basic rights.
3. Based on the distribution of power, constitution can be
federal and unitary.
4. Unlike a written constitution, an unwritten one can be
easily accessible to citizens.
5. Inequality and corruption endangers the flourishment of
constitutionalism.

Part II: Multiple Choices Questions

1. Which one of the following countries is not an example for fol-

lowing a written constitution?
A. Great Britain. C. Ethiopia
B. United states D. Nigeria

146 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
2.______is a form which requires simple procedure for amending
the constitution.

A. Rigid constitution C. Flexible constitution

B. Written constitution D. Federal constitution

3. Constitutionalism necessarily implies all except:

A. Limited government C. The presence of constitution

B. Respect for basic rights D. Prevalence of the Rule of law

4. Which one of the following is the basic purpose of the consti-

tution?

A. Define the basic organs of government

B. A base for nation building processes
C. Provides limits for government power
D. All are correct answers

5. Among the following, which one is not the purpose of constitu-

tionalism?

A. Ensuring sovereignty of the peoples.

B. Promotes the common good and national interest.
C. Make government officials accountable and responsive.
D. Impedes the democratisation processes of a country.

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 147
Part III: Short answer Exercise

1. ______________ is a way in which state power is exercised in

accordance with the laws embedded in the constitution.

2. _______________ is acting on one’s own will and decisions, in

violation of laws and the rights of others.

Part IV: Give Short answers for the following questions.

3. Discuss some of the importance of constitutionalism for a

given country?

4. Evaluate the consequences of absence of constitutionalism in

a given country?

5. Compare and Contrast effective and nominal constitution

and evaluate each in its implication in sustaining
constitutionalism?

6. Write down the role of constitutionalism in sustaining peace

and stability?

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