Question 1

The rule of law means that only judges decide how laws are to be applied.

Accepted Answer

The rule of law means that everyone, including citizens and leaders, is subject to the law, and it encompasses the principles that laws should be clear, publicized, and applied evenly. It does not mean that only judges decide how laws are to be applied; it involves the entire legal system, including legislatures that make the laws, executives who enforce them, and courts that interpret them.

Question 2

According to Bingham, which of the following are requirements for the rule of law? Please select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Bingham's requirements for the rule of law include that laws must be accessible, intelligible, clear, and predictable; laws should apply equally to all; the law must adequately protect fundamental human rights; and trial procedures should be fair. Compliance with international legal obligations is not a requirement he lists.

Question 3

Constitutions contain all the basic rules determining the operation of a state's political system.

Accepted Answer

False

Question 4

Three states do not have a written constitution: the UK, New Zealand, and ____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Three states do not have a written...

Question 5

Human rights are universal and absolute.

Accepted Answer

Human rights are universal in principle, meaning they apply to all people, but they are not absolute as they can be limited or restricted in certain circumstances, such as for national security, public order, or the rights and freedoms of others.

Question 6

The Universal Declaration on Human rights enshrines the right for individuals to join and form political parties of their choice.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The Universal Declaration on Human rights enshrines...

Question 7

Political practice in France as in all European states accepts that judges can review and challenge laws when they contravene human rights.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Political practice in France as in all...

Question 8

Laws are always approved by legislatures.

Accepted Answer

Laws can also be enacted through other means such as referendums, executive orders, or judicial decisions, depending on the legal system of the country.

Question 9

To guarantee justice, laws must be consistent.

Accepted Answer

Consistency in laws is important, but it is not the sole factor in guaranteeing justice. Other factors such as fairness, equity, and the ability to adapt to new circumstances also play crucial roles in ensuring justice.

Question 10

Constitutions are essential for federal systems.

Accepted Answer

Constitutions are essential in federal systems as they define the distribution of powers and responsibilities between the national government and the constituent units, ensuring a balance and preventing conflicts.

Question 11

Consociationalism is impossible without a written constitution.

Accepted Answer

Consociationalism, a form of government designed to manage a multiethnic or divided society, does not necessarily require a written constitution. It relies on power-sharing among different groups, which can be established through various means, including unwritten agreements or conventions.

Question 12

Which of the following features are requirements of consociational democracies? Please select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following features are requirements...

Question 13

Only federal systems are flexible enough to practice asymmetry in the relationship between the centre and states or provinces.

Accepted Answer

Asymmetry in the relationship between the center and states or provinces can also be practiced in unitary systems through arrangements like devolution, where certain powers are decentralized to local governments or regions, allowing for flexibility in governance.

Question 14

Asymmetrical decentralization within a state means that some regions have more layers of government than others.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Asymmetrical decentralization within a state means that...

Question 15

The growing legalization of political life is likely to pave the way for a decrease in political trust.

Accepted Answer

The growing legalization of political life is likely to lead to increased transparency and accountability, which can help to build trust in political institutions.

Quiz 11: Laws, Constitutions, and Federalism