Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
1. Constitution:
- Purpose: A constitution serves as a fundamental document that establishes the framework and principles of a government, defines the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and sets out the structure and functions of the state.
- Function: The primary function of a constitution is to provide a system of governance, establish the rule of law, protect individual rights and liberties, and ensure the separation of powers. It serves as a legal and political foundation for a country, guiding the actions of the government and protecting the rights of its citizens.
- Classification: Constitutions can be classified based on their form, such as written or unwritten constitutions. Written constitutions are codified and explicitly documented, while unwritten constitutions rely on a combination of legal conventions, statutes, and court decisions. Constitutions can also be classified based on their rigidity, with rigid constitutions requiring special procedures for amendment and flexible constitutions allowing for easier modification.
2. Constitutional Experience of Ethiopia:
Ethiopia has a complex constitutional history. The country's current constitution, known as the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, was adopted in 1994. It established a federal system of government, dividing power between the federal government and regional states. The constitution guarantees a range of rights and freedoms, including the rights to equality, freedom of expression, and the right to participate in the political process. It also recognizes the principle of ethnic self-determination, granting regional states the right to secession under certain conditions. However, Ethiopia has experienced challenges in fully implementing and upholding the provisions of its constitution, particularly in areas such as human rights protection, freedom of expression, and political participation.
3. Forms, Views, and Fundamental Principles of Democracy:
- Forms of Democracy: Democracy can take different forms, such as direct democracy where citizens directly participate in decision-making, representative democracy where elected representatives make decisions on behalf of the people, and hybrid forms that combine elements of both.
- Views of Democracy: There are various views on democracy, including liberal democracy that emphasizes individual rights and liberties, deliberative democracy that emphasizes inclusive and reasoned public discourse, and participatory democracy that emphasizes active citizen participation in decision-making.
- Fundamental Principles of Democracy: Key principles of democracy include popular sovereignty (power rests with the people), political equality (equal voting rights and opportunities for participation), rule of law (equality before the law and adherence to legal processes), protection of human rights, and accountability and transparency in governance.
4. Characteristics, Dimensions, Instruments, and Institutions of Human Rights:
- Characteristics: Human rights are inherent to all individuals by virtue of their humanity. They are universal, indivisible, interdependent, and inalienable.
- Dimensions: Human rights have civil and political dimensions (such as the right to life, freedom of expression, and political participation) and economic, social, and cultural dimensions (such as the right to education, healthcare, and adequate standard of living).
- Instruments: Human rights are enshrined in international and regional legal instruments, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. These instruments provide a framework for states to protect and promote human rights.
- Institutions: Various institutions play a role in safeguarding human rights, including national human rights commissions, courts, and international organizations like the United Nations and regional human rights bodies. These institutions monitor compliance, investigate violations, and provide remedies for human rights abuses.
It's important to note that the explanations provided here are concise, and each topic could be explored in much greater detail.