Our Constitution — Part 1: Meaning, Adoption, Citizenship and Voting: visual lesson, ICSE Class 9 History & Civics (H.C.G. Paper 1)

Lesson

Our Constitution: Meaning, Adoption and Salient Features

Part 1 — what a constitution is, when ours was adopted and enforced, and how it gives every adult one citizenship and one vote.

In this lesson you will

Define a constitution and explain why a country needs one
State the dates of adoption and enforcement and explain why 26 January was chosen
Explain single citizenship and contrast it with dual citizenship in the United States
Explain universal adult franchise and the minimum voting age

Part 1 at a glance

Concept

A constitution is the fundamental law of a country: the basic rulebook for the government and the people.

Table of four jobs of a constitution: it sets up the organs of government, limits their power, protects rights and settles disputes
A constitution…	In simple words
sets up	the organs of government: who makes, carries out and judges the laws
limits	the power of every office, so no ruler can do as he or she pleases
protects	the rights of the people against misuse of power
settles	disputes by giving all a common set of rules

Diagram

Why a country needs a constitution.

Think of a game with no written rules: whoever holds the ball decides everything.