1. CONSTITUTION & GOVERNANCE
TOPIC – INTRODUCTION AND
OVERVIEW OF THE CONSTITUTION
(LESSON 1)
PREPARED BY: MR. E. O. OMANGA
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2. Definition
What is a constitution?
A national constitution is a set of values and institutions
which form the fundamental framework for the
organization and operation of the government in the
country
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3. Importance
Modern states cannot function without a
constitution discuss?
It establishes authority and institutions for running of the
country
It limits on the powers of the government
It makes the government accountable to its citizens
It defines democracy and the rights of its people
The unity, stability and prosperity of the country depends
largely on the constitutionwww.businessclinic.co.ke
4. Major components of a
constitution
State
Citizens
Institutions
Rules
Values
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5. Phases of constitution making
process
In some societies there may be no formal
methods of making rules.
Rules may amount to understandings that
have developed among members of
society on matters that are essential to
their living together.
These rules would vary from one
community to another depending on the
mode of existence i.e pastoralist
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6. Phases of constitution making
process cont’d
On some matters the whole community
would make decisions, others would be left
to a smaller group perhaps the elders.
Rules are based on understanding and
knowledge, in most cases reflecting the
culture and morals of the community.
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7. Phases of constitution making
process cont’d
As geographical scale of the society expands or
society becomes more complex, there arises the
need for more formal understanding on how it
should be organized.
Who makes the rules
Who decides disputes
Who defends the community
“These rules we call the constitution.”
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9. Conclusion
Over time societies are kept together by values, rules and
Institution.
They have principles to decide who has the power to make
and enforce rules and guidelines that govern relationships
within the society.
The constitution would define the relationship between the
state and the communities.
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10. Conclusion cont’d
There would usually be rules for the distribution of
resources and the protection of property and other
entitlement.
Disputes are inevitable and effective methods of
resolving them are essential if the community is to
survive.
Since few societies are completely self contained, there
may be rules governing the relations between society
with other groups, including trade.
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11. Conclusion cont’d
The constitution has the status of a law and is usually
thought as the ‘supreme law ’
Modern constitutions do more than set up a system
of government and dispute resolutions.
They talk about the people and their rights
They set guidelines for proper behavior for rulers
They set guidelines for government policy
They limit what governments may do
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12. END OF SLIDE SHOW
THANK YOU
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