Have you been searching for the various Types Of Constitutions in Nigeria? or have you been asking; What type of constitution does Nigeria operate? If YES, then this post you are currently reading is for you as we are going to provide answers to the above questions.
Before we proceed, take a look at the meaning of Constitution and the functions of a Federal Constitution.
What Type Of Constitution Does Nigeria Operate?
The Federal Republic Of Nigeria Operates a Rigid And Written Federal Constitution.
Now that you know the type of constitution used in Nigeria let’s now look at the various types of constitutions.
Types Of Constitutions
Here are the four (4) types of constitutions.
- Rigid Constitution
- Flexible Constitution
- Written Constitution
- Unwritten Constitution
a) Rigid Constitution
A Rigid constitution is a constitution that is difficult to be amended or slow to change usually because of a prescribed process of the amendment that is detailed and lengthy in execution.
A rigid constitution contributes to political stability.
A rigid constitution cannot be misused by the government having the support of a simple majority in the national legislature.
A rigid constitution protects the fundamental rights of the individual.
A rigid constitution is good for a federal system of Government like Nigeria because neither the centre nor the Federal units can easily change it to their advantage.
b) Flexible Constitution
A flexible constitution is an opposite of a rigid constitution.
A flexible constitution can easily be amended.
A flexible constitution is a constitution that is not defined or set apart in a distinct document and that is not distinguishable from other laws in the way in which its terms can be legislatively altered.
The constitution of England is a typical example of a flexible constitution.
c) Written Constitution
A Written Constitution refers to the constitution codified and compiled in a single document.
The Nigerian constitution is written in a single document and it’s a typical example.
A written constitution is very clear and precise. It is free from doubts and ambiguity, it also lays emphasis on rule of law.
A written constitution is indispensable to federalism. It properly distributes powers between the centre and federal units – states or provinces.
A written constitution also protects the fundamental rights of the citizens.
d) Unwritten Constitution
An unwritten Constitution is an opposite of a written constitution.
An unwritten constitution is not written down in a single document and it’s easy to be amended.
An uncodified constitution is a type of constitution where the fundamental rules often take the form of customs, usage, precedent, and a variety of statutes and legal instruments.
An understanding of the constitution is obtained through reading commentary by the judiciary, government committees, or legal experts.
Now that you know the various types of constitutions kindly share them with others.