The constitution can be seen as a very powerful document. Existing in both written and un-written forms, it nevertheless has tremendous influence over the political and legal workings of a country. It seeks to establish certain set of principles of governing a state and more often than not limits the governments power to a certain level. Because of this power, constitutions need to be dealt with very carefully.
In Pakistan we have had a series of weak constitutions that have been abolished with the introduction of martial law. Our country then somehow managed to agree on one constitution, the prevailing constitution of Pakistan. If we look to classify Pakistan's constitution, we see that it can be viewed as a weak constitution, not addressing all areas a constitution should touch upon, and one that frequently needs changes made to it to make it better. This is evident from the fact that in such a short period of time, we have needed 21 amendments to our constitution. America's constitution, ratified in the 18th century, has had less amendments to it than its Pakistani counterpart which has existed for less that 50 years.
Some amendments made are basically formalisations of what was already understood but unwritten. The time of the day however, required these to be added to the written part of the constitution. This includes amendment 20, which talks about free and fair elections. Others however, include more radical changes such as the amendments changing Pakistan from a Prime Ministerial form of state to a Presidential one.
It can be said that our constitution is still in the process of development because it still has not reached its final, most efficient form.
In Pakistan we have had a series of weak constitutions that have been abolished with the introduction of martial law. Our country then somehow managed to agree on one constitution, the prevailing constitution of Pakistan. If we look to classify Pakistan's constitution, we see that it can be viewed as a weak constitution, not addressing all areas a constitution should touch upon, and one that frequently needs changes made to it to make it better. This is evident from the fact that in such a short period of time, we have needed 21 amendments to our constitution. America's constitution, ratified in the 18th century, has had less amendments to it than its Pakistani counterpart which has existed for less that 50 years.
Some amendments made are basically formalisations of what was already understood but unwritten. The time of the day however, required these to be added to the written part of the constitution. This includes amendment 20, which talks about free and fair elections. Others however, include more radical changes such as the amendments changing Pakistan from a Prime Ministerial form of state to a Presidential one.
It can be said that our constitution is still in the process of development because it still has not reached its final, most efficient form.
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