TOPIC INFO (UGC NET)
TOPIC INFO – UGC NET (Political Science)
SUB-TOPIC INFO – Comparative Political Analysis (UNIT 4)
CONTENT TYPE – Short Notes
What’s Inside the Chapter? (After Subscription)
1. Types of Constitution
1.1. Written and Unwritten Constitution
1.2. Rigid and Flexible Constitution
1.3. Federal and Unitary Constitution
1.4. Presidential and Parliamentary Constitution
1.5. Monarchical and Republican Constitution
1.6. Democratic and Authoritarian Constitution
1.7. Socialist and Capitalist Constitution
1.8. Secular and Theocratic Constitution
1.9. Indigenous and Colonial Constitution
1.10. Hybrid and Pure Constitution
2. Rule of Law
2.1. Introduction
2.2. What is Rule of Law
2.3. Definition of rule of law
2.4. Origin and History of Rule of Law
2.5. Characteristics of Rule of Law
2.6. Basic Principles of Rule of Law
2.7. Exceptions to Rule of Law
2.8. A.V. Dicey’s Theory of Rule of Law
2.8.1. Postulates of Rule of Law
2.8.2. Criticism of Dicey’s theory of rule of law
2.9. Rule of law in India
2.10. Application of rule of law in India
2.11. Status of rule of law on International Level
3. Judicial Independence
3.1. Introduction
3.2. Advantages
3.3. Criticism
3.4. Development
3.5. International Standards
3.6. Judicial Independence in Australia
3.7. Judicial Independence in Canada
3.8. Judicial Independence in Hong Kong
3.9. Judicial Independence in India
3.10. Judicial Independence in Singapore
3.11. Judicial Independence in England and Wales
3.12. Judicial Independence in United States
4. Emergency Power and Crisis of Constitutionalism
Note: The First Topic of Unit 1 is Free.
Access This Topic With Any Subscription Below:
- UGC NET Political Science
- UGC NET Political Science + Book Notes
Constitution and Constitutionalism
Comparative Politics (Unit 4)
Types of Constitution
Written and Unwritten Constitution
Written Constitution refers to a single, formal document that clearly defines the structure of government, the distribution of powers, and the rights and duties of citizens.
It is deliberately framed by a Constituent Assembly or a special body appointed for the purpose.
It provides legal supremacy, meaning any law inconsistent with it can be declared unconstitutional.
It usually requires a special procedure for amendments, making changes more complex.
Examples:
United States Constitution (1787) – The first written constitution in the world, which defines federalism, separation of powers, and fundamental rights.
Indian Constitution (1950) – The longest written constitution, incorporating elements from various other constitutions.
French Constitution (1958) – Governs the Fifth Republic of France, defining executive and legislative powers.
Unwritten Constitution is not codified in a single document but consists of various statutes, judicial decisions, conventions, and traditions.
Evolves over time through precedents and political customs rather than being framed at a specific moment in history.
It provides flexibility, allowing gradual adaptation without the need for formal amendments.
Examples:
United Kingdom – Relies on documents like the Magna Carta (1215), the Bill of Rights (1689), and established conventions.
New Zealand – Though largely unwritten, it is based on constitutional statutes like the Constitution Act (1986).