Constitutions

The rock upon which a democratic government rests is its constitution – the formal statement of its fundamental obligations, limitations, procedures and institutions. The constitution of the country is the supreme law of the land, and all citizens, prime ministers to peasants alike, are subject to its provisions. At a minimum, the constitution, which is usually codified in a single written document, establishes the authority of the national government, provides guarantees for fundamental human rights and sets forth the government’s basic operating procedures.

Despite their enduring, monumental qualities, constitutions must be capable of change and adaptation if they are to be more than admirable fossils. The world’s oldest written constitution, that of the United States, consists of seven brief articles and 26 amendments. This written document, however, is only the foundation for a vast structure of judicial decisions, presidential actions and traditional practices that has been erected over the past 200 years – and kept the U.S. Constitution alive and relevant.

This pattern of constitutional evolution takes place in every democracy. In general, there are two schools of thought about the process of amending, or changing, a nation’s constitution. One is to adopt a difficult procedure, requiring many steps and large majorities. As a result, the constitution is changed infrequently, and then only for compelling reasons that receive substantial public support. This is the model of the United States, whose Constitution is a brief statement of the general principles, powers and limits of government, together with a more specific listing of duties, procedures and, in the Bill of Rights, the fundamental rights of individual citizens.

A much simpler method of amendment, which many nations use, is to provide that any amendment may be adopted by approval of the legislature and passed by the voters at the next election. Constitutions able to be changed in this fashion can be quite lengthy, with specific provision that differ little from the general body of legislation.

No constitution like Americas, written in the 18^th century, could have survived unchanged into the late 20^th century. Similarly, no constitution in force today will survive into the next century without the capacity for change – while still holding fast to principles of individual rights, due process and government through the consent of the governed.

 

1 Give Ukrainian equivalents for the following words and expressions.

Constitution, limitation, supreme law, peasant, to set forth, capable, infrequently, amendment, lengthy, capacity.

 

2 Translate words and word combinations from Ukrainian into English and use them in your own sentences.

Демократичний уряд, гарантія, поправка, більшість, законодавча влада.

3 Complete the sentences.

1. This is the model...

2. The constitution...

3. No constitution...

4. This written document...

5. As a result...

4 Comprehension questions.

1. What is constitution?

2. What should a constitution provide?

3. What is the oldest constitution in the world?

4. How can constitutions be amended?

5. How can constitution remain relevant for a long time?

 

5 Say if the following statements are true according to the text.

1. Constitution is important for any type of government.

2. Constitution is the supreme law of the country.

3. Constitution of the USA is a very long document.

4. Constitution cannot evolve.

5. Constitution can be changed infrequently.

6. The Bill of Rights gives specific listing of duties and procedures.

7. Every constitution in force today will survive into the next century without change.