Every country is guided by a set of rules and laws, usually found in a document called the Constitution. This document acts like a manual for how the country should be run. While most countries have a written Constitution, some do not. Let’s explore why some countries have chosen not to draft a Constitution.
Have you ever heard of Eritrea? It’s a small country located in the Middle East, between Sudan and Ethiopia. Eritrea was once an Italian colony in the 19th century and later came under British control after Italy’s defeat. After a long 30-year fight for independence, Eritrea became its own country in 1993.
After gaining independence, the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF) turned into a political party called the People’s Front for Democracy and Justice. Isaias Afwerki, a leader during the independence war, became the head of the government. Eritrea held its first national elections in 1997, but they were also the last. Afwerki has ruled strictly, banning the creation of new political parties, even though the unimplemented Constitution allows for a multi-party system.
In 2008, Afwerki criticized Western-style democracy and suggested that Eritrea might wait decades before holding elections. This has led to Eritrea being seen as a country with a repressive government.
Israel is another country without a formal Constitution, despite its Declaration of Independence and a United Nations resolution calling for one. In 1949, a Constitutional Assembly was elected, but it couldn’t agree on its responsibilities. The assembly worried that heated debates might harm national unity. Instead, Israel decided on the Harari Resolution in 1950, which proposed creating a set of basic laws without setting a deadline.
In Saudi Arabia, the Quran is the main source of law. A basic Constitution was adopted in 1992, mainly to confirm that the Quran and royal decrees are the country’s guiding principles. There are no political parties, and the king can make laws without needing to consult others.
The United Kingdom is unique because it doesn’t have a single written Constitution. Instead, it has a collection of laws, traditions, and conventions that have developed over many years. Unlike other countries that have faced revolutions or crises, the UK has maintained a flexible system without needing a single defining document.
San Marino, a tiny country near Italy, has been governed for over 17 centuries. While it has a set of laws, it doesn’t have a traditional written Constitution like many other countries.
The idea of a Constitution can vary greatly from one country to another. Some countries prefer unwritten or loosely defined legal systems. This diversity shows that there are many ways to govern a nation. Thank you for exploring this topic with us!
Research one of the countries mentioned in the article that does not have a traditional written Constitution. Create a profile that includes its history, current political system, and how it governs without a formal Constitution. Present your findings to the class.
Divide into two groups. One group will argue the benefits of having a written Constitution, while the other will argue the advantages of an unwritten or flexible system. Use examples from the article to support your arguments. After the debate, discuss which system you think is more effective and why.
Imagine you are founding a new country. Work in small groups to draft a basic Constitution. Decide on key elements such as government structure, rights of citizens, and how laws will be made. Present your Constitution to the class and explain your choices.
Choose a country from the article and role-play a government meeting. Discuss how you would address a national issue without a written Constitution. Consider how decisions are made and what challenges might arise. Reflect on the experience and share your thoughts with the class.
Select two countries from the article and compare their governance systems. Create a visual presentation that highlights the similarities and differences in how they operate without a traditional Constitution. Share your presentation with the class and discuss the implications of each system.
Here’s a sanitized version of the provided YouTube transcript:
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Every country is defined by its system of laws and order, which is derived from a rulebook of the state known as the Constitution. The Constitution serves as a manual for running the country. While most countries have one, some do not have a written Constitution at all.
Today, we will explore why certain countries have not drafted a Constitution.
Have you heard of a country called Eritrea? Not many people have, as it often slips under the radar. Eritrea is located in the volatile region of the Middle East, wedged between Sudan and Ethiopia. Originally colonized by the Italians in the 19th century, Eritrea later came under British control after Italy’s defeat. Following a 30-year struggle for independence, Eritrea became an autonomous country in 1993.
After independence, the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF) transformed into a political party called the People’s Front for Democracy and Justice. Isaias Afwerki, a leader during the war of independence, took control of the government. The first national assembly elections were held in 1997, but they were the last elections ever conducted in the country. Afwerki has since ruled with an authoritarian grip, outlawing the formation of political parties despite a provision in the unimplemented Constitution that allows for a multi-party system.
In 2008, Afwerki expressed disdain for Western-style democracy, suggesting that Eritrea would wait decades to consider holding elections. His comments have drawn comparisons to fictional dictators, as Eritrea is often described as a repressive regime.
Moving on to Israel, the country has not yet drafted a Constitution despite its Declaration of Independence and United Nations Resolution 181 calling for one. The Constitutional Assembly elected in 1949 was unable to agree on its duties, leading to a prolonged delay in drafting a Constitution. The assembly felt it did not represent all constituents and feared that contentious debates could threaten national unity. Instead, Israel settled on the Harari Resolution in 1950, which suggested legislating a set of basic laws, but no deadline was set for this process.
In Saudi Arabia, the country operates under a system where the Quran is considered the primary source of law. A basic Constitution was adopted in 1992, but its main purpose is to affirm that the Quran and royal decrees govern the country. There are no political parties, and the king can issue laws without consultation.
The United Kingdom presents a unique case with its unwritten Constitution, which is the largest in the world. It consists of a collection of laws, conventions, and traditions developed over centuries. Unlike other countries that have experienced revolutions or constitutional crises, the UK has maintained a flexible system without a single defining moment for a written Constitution.
Lastly, San Marino, a small country near Italy, has a long history of governance dating back over 17 centuries. Although it has a collection of laws, it does not have a codified Constitution in the traditional sense.
In conclusion, the concept of a Constitution varies significantly across different countries, with some opting for unwritten or loosely defined legal frameworks. Thank you for watching!
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This version maintains the original content’s essence while removing any inappropriate language or references.
Constitution – A set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is governed. – The United States Constitution outlines the framework for the federal government and protects the rights of its citizens.
Government – The governing body of a nation, state, or community. – The government is responsible for creating and enforcing laws to maintain order and protect its citizens.
Democracy – A system of government by the whole population, typically through elected representatives. – In a democracy, citizens have the power to vote and influence how their country is run.
Laws – Rules made by a government that are enforceable by the courts. – Laws are essential to ensure that society functions smoothly and that people’s rights are protected.
Political – Relating to the government or public affairs of a country. – Political debates often focus on issues like healthcare, education, and economic policy.
Elections – A formal and organized process of electing or being elected, especially of members of a political body. – Elections are held every four years to choose the President of the United States.
Principles – Fundamental truths or propositions that serve as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior. – The principles of justice and equality are central to the functioning of a fair society.
Unity – The state of being united or joined as a whole. – National unity is important for maintaining peace and cooperation among diverse groups within a country.
Governance – The action or manner of governing a state, organization, or people. – Effective governance requires transparency, accountability, and participation from all stakeholders.
Independence – The fact or state of being independent, especially from political control by another country. – Many countries celebrate their independence with national holidays and festivities.
