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The Constitution and the Bill of Rights

The 1996 Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the three arms of government and elections. Read one part at a time and tap “I know this”. Then test yourself in the quiz.

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Government

Legislature:makes laws(Parliament)Executive:runs thecountryJudiciary:decides cases(courts)
The Constitutional Court has the final say on constitutional matters.
  • Independent bodies like the Auditor-General can check the government honestly.
  • All official languages must be treated equally; South African Sign Language became official in 2023.
  • An identity document or passport proves citizenship. Responsibilities: use your right to vote and obey the law; right to a clean environment → don’t pollute.
  • Is your right violated? Go to a court or the Human Rights Commission.
  • The Constitution came into force on 4 February 1997. The Bill of Rights is Chapter 2 of the Constitution.
  • Rights in the Bill of Rights include: equality, human dignity, life, freedom of expression, education and a safe environment.
  • Government works in three spheres: national (the whole country), provincial (nine provinces, each led by a premier) and local (municipalities). This is different from the three arms above.
The Constitutional Court in Johannesburg.
The Constitutional Court in Johannesburg.
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Remember this: your summary
  • The Constitution was signed in December 1996 in Sharpeville; it is the supreme law: laws that clash with it are invalid.
  • The Bill of Rights protects e.g. equality and human dignity; rights can be limited so they don’t harm others.
  • National elections every five years, run by the IEC, with a secret ballot.
  • Parliament: the National Assembly and the NCOP (National Council of Provinces).
  • Municipalities (a mayor and elected councillors) provide local services like water and roads.

Write these points in your book. Read them again the night before the test.

Memory trick

Three arms: make the law (legislature), do the law (executive), judge the law (judiciary).

Flash cards · Tap to turn over

Important words

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Test yourself · Part 2

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