CPD1501 May/Jun 2017 exam paper — questions

Every question, by topic

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

   Choose the correct statement regarding what constitutionalism entails: option 1) it is the same thing as merely having a Constitution; option 2) it means having a written and supreme Constitution; option 3) it essentially means having either procedural or substantive limitations on the power of government; option 4) it means that 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 the correct statement about what the separation of powers requires: option 1) division of state authority between the legislative, executive and judicial authority (branches); option 2) interaction between national, provincial and local spheres of government; option 3) that it encourages authoritarian rule and protection of human rights; option 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 the correct statement about what the concept of democracy recognises: option 1) that there are three types of democracy, namely representative democracy, participatory democracy and popular democracy; option 2) that government does not consider the will of the people; option 3) that the right to vote via the process of elections is the most fundamental aspect of representative democracy; option 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

   Select the correct description of the form of government South Africa has: option 1) it has both features of the Presidential and the Parliamentary system of government; option 2) the head of state and the head of government are two different persons; option 3) the head of government is elected directly by the people; option 4) parliamentary supremacy.Show the full questionShow less

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

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