Page 199 - SST Class 08
P. 199
1 1 1
Role of Constitution and
the Need for Law
MEANING AND NEED OF A creed, religion, social and economic status. The
CONSTITUTION constitution provides the right of choosing and
Constitution is the supreme law of each state. It electing their government and allow them to right
lays down rules regarding the organisation, to all kinds of facilities and aids. The constitution,
powers and functions of government. It also thus, is very important for the proper running
defines the basic features of the state and the and functioning of a country.
relation between the citizens and the State. HOW IS CONSTITUTION A
In simple words, we can say a constitution is the FUNDAMENTAL LAW?
constitutional law of the state. Constitutional law The constitution of a country provides the
enjoys the position of being the supreme and fundamental law of governance. Its functions
fundamental law of the state. It lays down the include:
organisation and functions of the government of 1. Constitution Allows Coordination and
state. The government can use only those pow- Assurance
ers which the constitution grants to it. Countries like India have diverse groups
A constitution is a set of fundamental legal- and ways of living. There is diversity of
political rules that : faith, profession, ability, equality, property,
1. are binding on everyone in the state, includ- etc. There are others variations which exists
ing ordinary lawmaking institutions. in society. Inspite of these diversities, the
2. concern the structure and operation of the group have to live together. It is dependent
institutions of government, political princi- upon each other and needs the cooperation
ples and the rights of citizens. of each other.
3. are based on widespread public legitimacy. But, the problem of diversity can be solved
4. are harder to change than ordinary laws only if these people live on the basis of
(e.g., a two-thirds majority vote or a referen- some rationally agreed basic rules. The
dum is needed). basic rules would clarify the rights and
claims of individuals so that there are no
5. as a minimum, meet the internationally
conflicts. Further, these rules are also
recognised criteria for a democratic system
enforceable. It gives an assurance to every-
in terms of representation and human rights.
one to follow those rules.
IMPORTANCE OF THE CONSTITUTION 2. Constitution Clarifies Power of
The importance of the constitution lies in the fact Decision-Makers
that it enables the countrymen to enjoy freedom
The constitution is a set of basic principles
of rights, speech, to choose the government and
according to which a state is being gov-
equality in all aspects irrespective of their caste,
erned. It clarifies the type of government
Social Science-8 199
