ZIMSEC A Level · Heritage Studies · Form 5, Form 6
Constitutionalism
Government limited by a constitution: separation of powers, checks and balances, the rule of law, judicial independence, and protection of rights.
The Constitution of Zimbabwe (2013)
- Founding values: supremacy of the Constitution, rule of law, fundamental human rights, gender equality, good governance, and recognition of the liberation struggle.
- Declaration of Rights (Chapter 4), including socio-economic rights.
- Arms of government: Executive, Legislature (Parliament: National Assembly and Senate) and Judiciary (Constitutional Court at the apex on constitutional matters).
- Independent commissions (Chapters 12 and 13): e.g. the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, Zimbabwe Gender Commission, and the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission.
- Devolution (Chapter 14): provincial and metropolitan councils and local authorities.
Traditional leadership
Chiefs, headmen and village heads exercise customary authority (Chapter 15) and must be non-partisan.
Citizen participation
Elections, public consultations on bills and budgets, civil society, and the media.
Challenges
Implementation gaps, corruption, limited resources for devolution, and political polarisation.
Exam tip: Cite chapters and institutions of the Constitution to support arguments.
Check yourself
- Which chapter of the Constitution deals with devolution?
- Name two independent commissions.
- What is meant by the rule of law?
Show answers
- Chapter 14.
- Any two: ZEC, ZHRC, ZACC, Zimbabwe Gender Commission, NPRC, Zimbabwe Media Commission.
- Everyone, including the government, is subject to and equal before the law.
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