What is a Constitutional
Government?- KEY
Main idea
What is a constitution?
Main idea:
All constitutions tell how
a government is
organized but there are
many different types of
constitutions
What is a constitutional
government?
Main Idea:
In order to have a
constitutional
government there needs
to be limits of
government power
Details
● A legal framework of government- tells how a
government is organized and run- (a blueprint
about a government)
● Every nation has a constitution
● MOST constitutions are in writing (US/RUSSIA)
● Some constitutions contain written and
unwritten parts (written laws and unwritten
customs)
● Some constitutions are not in writing at allthroughout history many societies had
constitutions based on unwritten customs and
traditions
● YOU CAN LEARN ABOUT A GOVERNMENT BY
STUDYING ITS CONSTITUTION
●
● A constitutional government means that there
are limits on the powers of the person or group
running the government
● “limits “ means that there are certain things the
gov’t may not do and actions that it may not take
● FOR EXAMPLE: the courts can’t force a person
to be a witness against himself, or cannot deny a
person the right to an attorney(lawyer)
● If a constitution does not limit the power of
government, or fails to enforce the limits on
government- it is not a constitutional
government
● This type of government is called an autocratic or
dictatorial government
What is higher law?
Main Idea:
All people- even
government leaders must
follow the law as stated
in a constitution
● In a constitutional government-the constitution
must effectively limit the use of power
● THE CONSTITUTION IS A HIGHER LAW
● A higher law is a set of laws that all people
including government leaders) must obey
● The people running the government must do what
the Constitution says
Post-notes question: What is the problem with autocratic or dictatorial governments? What
makes constitution government fairer for more people?
● People have no say in the government. Basic human rights could be taken away
● In a constitutional government ALL people must obey the constitution