Which is the best example of flexible constitution?

“Indian constitution is rigid as well as flexible”. Do you agree with this statement? Justify your views along with suitable examples.

“Constitution is not a mere lawyers document, it is a vehicle of life and its spirit is always the spirit of age”

– B.R.Ambedkar

Introduction:

The rigidity and flexibility of Indian Constitution is one of its salient features. We can see that some of the constitutions like American is considered to be rigid. The constitution of United Kingdom is completely based on amendability and can be called as a flexible. But Indian constitution is a middle ground between both these extremes.

Body:

Indian constitution was framed after thoroughly studying the constitutions of various countries. Best features of those constitutions were taken and modified to the requirements of Indian society. The freedom movement also played a major role in the ideals of our constitution.
As mentioned earlier, Indian constitution is both rigid and flexible. It can be called as rigid while considering its basic structure. Articles like Parliamentary system, Independence of Judiciary, removing basic fundamental rights etc. cannot be amended as we have witnessed it in some historical judgements. Ex:- Keshavananda Bharati Case. Articles related to federal system cannot be easily changed. Special provisions are required in such cases. The Legislative, Judiciary & Executive have also been directed to work in a specific way within their boundaries.
This does not mean Indian constitution is not flexible at all. Flexibility in the constitution allows laws to be changed by amendments. These amendments can be made by simple majority in parliament and are often in the best interests of the people and the socio-economic changes that are occurring in the country. Certain articles have also been amended or scrapped in order to maintain the sovereignty and integrity of the country. Ex:- Removal of Article 370.

Conclusion:

Any law is passed keeping the people at core of the law. Indian constitution easily allows this to happen. As mentioned by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, constitution cannot be just a document of laws. It should represent the feelings and life of the people. This is evident by the nature of our constitution. So the Indian constitution is rigid as well as flexible is a justifiable statement.

Definition of flexible constitution

: a constitution that may be amended by the ordinary process of legislation and is therefore relatively easy to amend

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!

Learn More About flexible constitution

Statistics for flexible constitution

Cite this Entry

“Flexible constitution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flexible%20constitution. Accessed 24 Sep. 2022.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Merriam-Webster unabridged

The death of veteran U.S. Senator John McCain last weekend led to heart-felt tributes from both sides of the American political divide and from across the world. They touched on his bravery and sacrifice as well as his long political record.

But in their remarks on their one-time political adversary, Bill and Hillary Clinton went further. They said Senator McCain had throughout his long life of service been guided by his strong belief that every American had a responsibility to make something of the freedoms granted by their constitution.

It was a reminder of the critical importance of a constitution to a country and its citizens. For, to be effective, a constitution must do far more than dryly elaborate the structure of government. At its best, it provides guidance to how both the nation and its people conduct themselves.

The U.S. constitution is now, of course, well over 200 years old. But no one would doubt its relevance to modern America. It is something debated loudly on an almost daily basis, the centre of political life.

But the importance of a constitution, as we have said before, is perhaps even greater to a young country like Kazakhstan than it is to those which have been shaped by many generations as independent nations. It helps identify shared values, provides a national purpose and road map for the future. It is the role which is celebrated this week.

Looking back over the years since our constitution was overwhelmingly approved in a national referendum on Aug. 30, 1995, it is very clear how important it has been to our progress as a country. It has provided both the principles and mechanics which have enabled Kazakhstan to rise to every challenge it has faced.

The strong emphasis, for example, placed on individual rights and equality before the law has helped forge a tolerant harmonious society which has won international respect.

But all these achievements could have been put in jeopardy if a constitution prevents a country from meeting changing circumstances, challenges and ambitions.  For thanks to the efforts of its people, Kazakhstan is now at a very different stage of development.

Twenty-three years ago, the main challenges were how to pull Kazakhstan out of the chaos, which was the collapse of the old Soviet Union. It was escaping poverty not building prosperity which was the central task for the country.

There is, of course, more to be done to ensure that everyone shares in the country’s progress. But the national goal now is to join the ranks of the most developed and prosperous nations by the middle of this century.

As we said in these pages on its 20th anniversary, the danger is that a constitution acts as a straitjacket, limiting the right response to changing conditions. Kazakhstan has not fallen into this trap as the 2017 constitutional reforms have underlined. Decision-making has been devolved and decentralised, oversight and accountability improved and the separation of powers strengthened so that the country is ready for the next stage of its development.

While Kazakhstan is to continue with a presidential-style system, significant responsibilities have now been transferred to the government and parliament. In future, the President will take a more strategic role while the Prime Minister and Cabinet have been made more accountable to Parliament.

At the same time, the role of the Constitutional Council has been strengthened and the judicial system modernised. The aim is to meet the highest international standards and strengthen protection of rights of the individual.

These significant democratic and institutional reforms are aimed at ensuring the constitution is an important platform for Kazakhstan’s success in the next two decades as it has been in our first two as a modern independent country. It is a role and ambition which is worth celebrating this week.  

Get The Astana Times stories sent directly to you! Sign up via the website or subscribe to our Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Telegram and Tiktok!

What is flexible constitution give an example?

Which country is the best example for the flexible constitution?

Which of the constitution is most flexible?

What is a flexible type of constitution?