Why Do We Need a Constitution?
Why do we need a Constitution? There are some reasons that explain why do we need a constitution? The basic need is to have a constitution because, without it, it would be very difficult to govern the people of the country. We need a constitution for a set of defined values, duties, rights and laws that serve as a framework upon which the country runs.
Table of Contents
 |
| Why Do We Need a Constitution |
The reasons why do we need a constitution in 5 points are explained in this article. They are as follows;
- Preventing despotism
- Balanced government
- Constitution as a social instrument
- Stable government and protecting sovereignty
- Upholding human rights and democratic values
Preventing Depotism
The constitution gives a foundational structure for its political community. The constitution decides what form of government it should follow and its roles in the political community, along with its limitations.
This would help in preventing the government from acting arbitrarily. The constitution would prevent those who are in power from getting too powerful and oppressive. Therefore, here we can say that constitutionalism is always opposite of the despotism.
Despotic governments are governments which are not bound by any superior law or authority or constitution. And, such types of governments govern the people of that country with the intent of securing their selfish interests, even at the cost of the basic human rights of their people.
Balanced Government
The constitution helps in the separation and distribution of power or authority among the institutions of the government. The constitution ensures that all these institutions are restricted in their power and also check and restrain each other. This prevents the domination of any institution over other institutions. The constitution would help to prevent the exercising of unchecked political power.
Constitution as Social Instrument
Another important purpose of the constitution is to provide a framework for the socio-economic development of the country. Many constitutions across the world, especially the Constitution of India, have been significantly ensuring that marginalised groups receive equality and justice.
The Directive Principles of State Policy specified in Part IV of the Indian Constitution have motivated the Central Government to create laws that serve as instruments for protecting the environment, upholding labour rights, promoting free access to deduction to children etc.
Stable Government and Protecting Sovereignty
The constitution serves the purpose of setting the social and political basis for a political community. The constitution ensures political stability and keeps the community's sovereignty intact. If a nation does not have a strong political structure, it is more vulnerable to attacks from external powers and it would be difficult to protect the people of the county from such external powers.
Therefore, the country or political communities that do not practice constitutionalism are more likely to crumble their people and country.
Upholding Human Rights and Democratic Values
The constitutions are of great importance in the modern democratic world. The constitution in many democratic nation-states serves the purpose of ensuring that the procedure of selecting those in power is uncorrupt and fair.
The constitution also grants people their right to vote and the freedom to express their criticism of those in power. The elections, representative government, and the right to criticise those in power are the fundamental characteristics of a democratic society.
The Constitution also serve the main purpose of guaranteeing the fundamental human rights of citizens. This is essential to ensure that government does not function in a way that compromises the interest of its people.
Other Reasons
- The constitution has written laws that are accepted by the people living together in a country.
- The constitution creates trust and coordination between the government and the citizens.
- The constitution specifies the type of government for a country and how it should function.
- It lays down limits on the powers of the government.
- The constitution lays down the rights and duties of its citizens.
- The constitution is needed for the better future of a country.
- The constitution also restricts the unlimited powers of the government from misusing powers.
Conclusion
Why do we need a constitution? The answer to this question is concluded in this article. The constitution is the supreme law of a country. The constitution defines the government's fundamental political values, policies, powers, rights, duties and processes. Therefore, it is important to have a constitution for a country.
The presence of a constitution is more relevant in any modern democratic state in order to ensure that the principles of democracy are always upheld. The constitution plays a huge role in maintaining a balanced government.