Question

Difficulty: MediumTypes and Classification of Constitutions

Country X operates under a single, codified constitutional document. However, its national legislature can alter or repeal any provision of this document using the same simple majority vote required for passing regular statutory laws. Based on political science classification criteria, how is the constitution of Country X classified?

Written and flexibleAnswer
B
Written and rigid
C
Unwritten and flexible
D
Unwritten and rigid

Answer

The constitution of Country X is classified as written and flexible.

A constitution is written when its rules and principles are codified in a single legal instrument. It is flexible when it can be amended through the standard legislative process using a simple majority, without requiring special supermajorities, ratifications, or constitutional conventions. Therefore, a single-document constitution amended via regular statutory procedure is both written and flexible.

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Analyze the classification by document form.

Since all constitutional provisions exist within a single, formal document, the constitution is classified as written (codified).

Document classification depends on whether constitutional principles are systematically compiled into a single legal instrument.

2

Analyze the classification by amendment procedure.

Since amendments require only a simple majority vote under the standard law-making process, the constitution is classified as flexible.

Amendment classification depends on the ease or complexity of legal alteration; simple legislative processes make a constitution flexible.

3

Synthesize the two classification criteria.

Combining both characteristics yields a constitution that is written and flexible.

Form and amendment method are independent criteria for classifying constitutional systems.

Key Concept

Classification of Constitutions by Codification and Amendment Process

Estimated Time:1m 0s

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Topics

Types and Classification of Constitutions