CPD1501 Oct/Nov 2016 exam paper — questions

Every question, by topic

1. Question 1.1 · Constitutionalism, rule of law and constitutional democracy · 2 marks

   Choose the correct meaning of constitutionalism from the following options: (1) having a constitution; (2) having a written and supreme constitution; (3) having either procedural or substantive limitations on the power of government; (4) that the government is not limited in terms of the provisions of the constitution.Show the full questionShow less

2. Question 1.2 · Separation of powers and systems of government · 2 marks

   Select which statement correctly describes what the separation of powers requires: (1) division of state authority between the legislative, executive and judicial authorities (branches); (2) interaction between national, provincial and local spheres of government; (3) authoritarian rule and protection of human rights; (4) that the legislative, executive and local governments have their own powers and functions.Show the full questionShow less

3. Question 1.3 · Electoral systems and public participation · 2 marks

   Identify what the concept of democracy recognises, choosing from: (1) that there are three types of democracy, namely representative democracy, participatory democracy and popular democracy; (2) that government does not consider the will of the people; (3) that the right to vote via the process of elections is the most fundamental aspect of representative democracy; (4) that the government is not accountable to the electorate.Show the full questionShow less

4. Question 1.4 · Separation of powers and systems of government · 2 marks

   Determine which statement correctly describes the form of government that South Africa has, selecting from: (1) it features both the presidential and the parliamentary systems of government; (2) the head of state and the head of government are two different persons; (3) the head of government is elected directly by the people; (4) Parliament is supreme.Show the full questionShow less

5. Question 1.5 · Constitutionalism, rule of law and constitutional democracy · 2 marks

   Choose the correct statement regarding judicial review from the following: (1) it is undemocratic because judges have the power to strike down the decisions of a democratic legislature and a democratic and representative government; (2) it is in line with the principles of constitutionalism and democracy; (3) it means that the court is not empowered to declare unconstitutional any legislation that is not consistent with the constitution; (4) it infringes the principle of separation of powers.Show the full questionShow less