Constitution: Meaning, Relevance and Types

 1. Meaning of Constitution

A Constitution is the highest law of a country.
It explains:

• how the government is formed
• how power is used
• what rights people have
• what duties the government must follow

👉 In short: The Constitution is the rulebook of the nation.

Simple Example

Just like a school diary tells:

• school rules
• rights of students
• duties of teachers

The Constitution tells:

• rules of the country
• rights of citizens
• duties of the government

2. Relevance (Importance) of Constitution

1. Gives Legal Identity to the State

A country functions properly only because it has a Constitution.

Example:
India works as a democratic republic because its Constitution defines it so.

2. Organises the Government

The Constitution divides power among:

• Legislature (makes laws)
• Executive (implements laws)
• Judiciary (interprets laws)

Example:
Parliament makes laws, but courts check whether laws are fair.

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3. Protects Rights of Citizens

It guarantees basic rights such as:

• equality
• freedom
• protection from injustice

Example:
If someone is arrested unfairly, they can approach the court using constitutional rights.

4. Limits Government Power

Government cannot misuse power.

Example:
The government cannot stop people from speaking their opinion without reason.

5. Maintains Law and Order

Everyone must follow the same law.

Example:
A minister and a common citizen are treated equally in court.

6. Ensures Democracy

The Constitution supports elections, representation, and accountability.

Example:
People choose leaders through voting, not force.

 One-Line Memory Tips 🧠

• Constitution = Supreme law
• It controls power, rights, and duties
• Protects citizens from misuse of authority
• Different countries have different types
• Democracy survives because of the Constitution

1. MONARCHICAL CONSTITUTION

Meaning

A Monarchical Constitution is one in which the head of the state is a monarch (King or Queen).
The position is usually hereditary, meaning passed from parent to child.

Types of Monarchy

(a) Absolute Monarchy

The monarch has complete power.

Example:

• Saudi Arabia

Explanation:
The King makes laws, executes them, and controls the judiciary.

(b) Constitutional Monarchy

The monarch is the symbolic head, but real power lies with elected representatives.

Example:

• United Kingdom
• Japan

Explanation:
The Queen or King reigns but does not rule. The government works according to the Constitution.

Simple Example

Like a school founder whose name remains, but decisions are taken by the principal and teachers.

2. PRESIDENTIAL CONSTITUTION

Meaning

A Presidential Constitution is one in which the President is both the head of the state and the head of the government.

Main Features

• President is elected directly or indirectly
• Clear separation of powers
• President is not a member of the legislature

Example

• United States of America

Explanation:
The President:

• leads the government
• appoints ministers
• is not answerable to Congress in daily work

Simple Example

Like a CEO who manages the company independently, not controlled by the board daily.

3. REPUBLICAN CONSTITUTION

Meaning

A Republican Constitution is one where the head of the state is elected, not hereditary.

Key Points

• No King or Queen
• Head of state is chosen by the people
• Emphasises equality

Examples

• India
• France

Explanation:
In India:

• President is elected
• Every citizen is equal before law

Simple Example

Class monitor chosen by voting, not because their parents were monitors 😄

4. PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUTION

Meaning

A Parliamentary Constitution is one where the executive is responsible to the legislature.

Main Features

• Prime Minister is head of government
• Executive depends on Parliament
• Collective responsibility

Examples

• India
• United Kingdom

Explanation:
If the Prime Minister loses majority support, the government must resign.

Simple Example

A team leader who continues only as long as the team supports them.

5. FEDERAL CONSTITUTION

Meaning

A Federal Constitution divides power between central and state governments.

Features

• Written constitution
• Division of powers
• Independent judiciary

Examples

• India
• USA

Explanation:
States have their own governments but follow the national Constitution.

Simple Example

Parents handle family rules; children manage their rooms—power shared.

6. UNITARY CONSTITUTION

Meaning

A Unitary Constitution gives all power to the central government.

Features

• States are created by centre
• Centre can change powers

Examples

• France
• United Kingdom

Simple Example

School where the principal controls all decisions.

7. WRITTEN CONSTITUTION

Meaning

A Constitution written clearly in a single document.

Examples

• India
• USA

8. UNWRITTEN CONSTITUTION

Meaning

A Constitution based on customs, traditions, and laws.

Example

• United Kingdom

9. RIGID CONSTITUTION

Meaning

A Constitution that is difficult to amend.

Example

• USA

10. FLEXIBLE CONSTITUTION

Meaning

A Constitution that can be amended easily.

Example

• United Kingdom

QUICK REVISION TABLE 🧠

Type	Key Idea	Example
Monarchical	King/Queen as head	UK
Presidential	President holds power	USA
Republican	Elected head	India
Parliamentary	Govt answerable to Parliament	India
Federal	Power divided	India
Unitary	Power centralised	France
Written	Written document	India
Unwritten	Customs-based	UK
Rigid	Hard to amend	USA
Flexible	Easy to amend	UK

 

ONE-LINE MEMORY KEY 🔑

👉 Who rules, how they rule, and who controls them — that’s what types of Constitutions explain.