The Constitution, rights and responsibilities

A constitution is the supreme law of a country. Every other law and every action of government must agree with it.

The Constitution of Zimbabwe (2013)

• Approved in a national referendum in 2013, replacing the Lancaster House Constitution.
• Chapter 4, the Declaration of Rights, protects human rights.
• It sets out the national objectives, the structure of government, elections and the independent commissions.

The three arms of government

• The Executive (the President, Vice-Presidents and Cabinet): carries out laws and runs the government.
• The Legislature (Parliament: the National Assembly and the Senate): makes laws and checks the Executive.
• The Judiciary (the courts, headed by the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court): interprets the law and settles disputes.

The separation of powers prevents any one arm from abusing power.

Rights and responsibilities

• Examples of rights: life, equality, education, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and children's rights.
• Rights come with responsibilities: obeying the law, respecting other people's rights, paying taxes, voting, and protecting public property.
• Rights may be limited when they harm others or threaten public safety.

Check yourself

1. Name the three arms of government.
2. Which chapter of the Constitution contains the Declaration of Rights?
3. Give two responsibilities of a citizen.