The Different Types of Constitution in Nigeria 2022
– Types of Constitution in Nigeria –
Are you a student who is interested in the Nigerian constitution? Do you want to know the types of constitutions in Nigeria? If you are, then this article will benefit you.
A constitution is a collection of fundamental ideas or precedents that serve as the legal foundation for a polity, organization, or other forms of institution. Also, most times, decide how that entity is to be governed. It determines the rules and regulations in the state.
The Federal Republic of Nigeria has a Constitution that is both rigid and written.
Let’s take a quick look at the many types of Nigerian constitutions now that you know what kind of constitution the country has.
Types of Constitutions in Nigeria
Here are the Constitutions of the Federal Republic of Nigeria:
1. Written Constitution
A written constitution is a document or set of documents that are prepared as laws. Also, written constitutions are typically quite detailed and methodical. Furthermore, the constitution is a written document because of a concerted effort by the people.
In addition, the United States, India, Russia, France, Germany, Nigeria, and other countries have written constitutions.
According to Hood Phillips’s written constitution are significant constitutional laws that are specifically adapted. Also, the laws allowed for a specific legislative enactment on state organization and justice administration, as well as other national constitutional issues.
However, this usually results in a single document with a few sections that may change as needed to suit the current situation.
Where a written constitution exists, it is seen as an organic document that claims supremacy over and above all other documents in the state.
Also, the resulting constitution establishes a wide and comprehensive framework and set of governance ideas that can apply to a variety of situations across the country.
Moreover, the clearest characteristic of all written constitutions is that it is possible to point to one document or a combination of documents, as the Constitution.
A good example of a combination of documents is the experience of Nigeria when there were four Regions in the country and each region had its own constitution while there was another for the Federation.
Interestingly, written constitutions are now widespread in the world. Such constitutions invariably spell out the three arms of government namely, the Legislative, the Executive and the Judiciary.
2. Unwritten Constitution
The unwritten constitution is a legal body that is not written in the document. Also, it comprises a country’s various customs, principles, and traditions.
However, it lacks a fixed date of creation and is unclear and imprecise in every way. Unwritten constitutions are typically the consequence of a country’s historical evolution.
For instance, the English Constitution is one of the most well-known examples.
The unwritten British Constitution’s laws are divided into three categories: statute, common law, and custom. It is vital to include international conventions considering current developments.
Although, treaties are not part of British law unless explicitly stated to be so. Also, the Acts of Parliament and subordinate legislation are examples of statutes.
3. Flexible Constitution
A flexible constitution is adaptable and can be easily changed.
Furthermore, a flexible constitution is one that is neither specified or distinguished in a separate document, and that is not differentiated from other laws in terms of how its terms can be changed through legislation.
England’s constitution is a good example of a flexible constitution.
4. Rigid Constitution
A rigid constitution is a constitution that isn’t amended easily. Rigidity refers to stiffness in an object that is difficult to adjust.
Furthermore, studies reveal that several countries with written constitutions follow a strict constitution in which the creation or alteration of some basic laws differs from the creation or revision of ordinary laws.
Also, it is well as ratified by resolutions of the Houses of Assembly of not less than two-thirds of all the Federation states.
In addition, amending elements of the constitution dealing with state formation and citizens’ fundamental human rights is significantly more difficult.
FAQs about Types of Constitution in Nigeria
1. What are the main parts of the Nigerian Constitution?
Citizenship and Nationality, Constitutional Review Bodies, Education, e.t.c.
2. What are the five sources of the constitution in Nigeria?
The sources are the Federal Scheme of government, equity, the system of the judiciary, the Public Service Commission, and the Emergency provisions.
3. What are the features of Nigeria’s constitution?
The features are the Preamble, Separation of power, Presidential system, Fundamental Human Rights, Federalism, Sovereignty, Supremacy of the constitution, and Independence of the judiciary.
4. What are the features of the colonial constitution in Nigeria?
The feature comprises supreme law of the land, and a framework for government.
5. What are the sources of the Nigerian Constitution?
They include conventions, customs and traditions, acts of parliament, judicial precedents, opinions of writers and elder leaders, and others.
6. Is Nigeria operating on a rigid constitution?
Yes, it is.
7. What are the different constitutions? How do they work?
Written, Unwritten, Federal and Rigid. Scroll up to read more.
8. What is the Colonial Nigerian Constitution?
These constitutions were during the colonial era.
9. Why do we need a constitution in Nigeria?
To govern the affairs and activities in the country.
10. What are the sources of a Constitution?
The sources are the Federal Scheme of government, the Office of the Governor, the system of the judiciary, the Public Service Commission, and the Emergency provisions.
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