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Home / IAS Preparation / Written vs Unwritten Constitution

Written Constitution And Unwritten Constitution - Differences, Definition With Examples & More

Last Updated on Sep 06, 2023
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Constitutions form the foundation of any democratic society. They provide a framework for the operation of the government. One of the primary distinctions among constitutions is whether they are written or unwritten. A written constitution is codified and formally written. An unwritten constitution is not structured and is based on conventions and judicial decisions. 

The Difference between Written and Unwritten Constitutions analyzes the contrasting features of the two constitutions. It highlights their impact on the governance and stability of a nation. 

The difference between Written and Unwritten Constitutions is one of the important topics for the UPSC IAS exam. It is a part of the Polity subject in the Mains General Studies Paper-II syllabus. It is also a part of the General Studies Paper-1 of the UPSC Prelims Syllabus.

In this article, we shall know in detail what a written and unwritten constitution is about. The article covers the Difference between Written and Unwritten Constitutions as required for the UPSC exam.

Difference between Written and Unwritten Constitution

Unwritten Constitution

Written Constitution

An unwritten constitution is a constitution that lacks a structured codification.

A written constitution is a constitution that is codified and precisely compiled in a structural way.

With time, an unwritten constitution undergoes a gradual evolution with the addition of new laws and guidelines.

A written constitution is drafted systematically in a step-by-step manner. Any necessary update or change is incorporated instantaneously.

An unwritten constitution may either be rigid or flexible, or both.

The majority of the time, a written constitution is flexible in nature. 

In a country with an unwritten constitution, the Parliament holds supremacy.

In a country with a written constitution, the constitution will be the supreme authority.

The judiciary will have limited powers in the case of a country with an unwritten constitution.

Since the constitution holds the supremacy, the judiciary will have more powers.

An unwritten constitution works best in a monarchy or autocracy.

A written constitution works well in democratic states.

The Magna Carta is considered to be the earliest unwritten constitution. King John of England signed this Charter of Rights on June 15th, 1215.

The constitution of the USA is considered as the earliest written constitution that is still in effect. It came into force on Mar 4th, 1789.

The United Kingdom, Canada, China, and Israel are the countries with unwritten constitutions.

India, the USA, France, Denmark, Australia, and Brazil are the countries with written constitutions.

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What is the Written Constitution?

A written constitution is a document that contains a set of fundamental principles that govern a nation. It is formally codified and compiled in a structured and cohesive manner. A written constitution provides a clear outline of the following:

  • the functions of the government, 
  • the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and 
  • the limitations of the government's power. 

Written constitutions are typically enacted through a formal process. They often require a special majority to amend. Countries with written constitutions include the United States, India, France, Germany, and others.

Examples of Written Constitution

  • United States of America: The U.S. Constitution, drafted in 1787, is one of the earliest and most well-known examples of a written constitution. It outlines the fundamental principles and framework of the federal government, including the separation of powers and the Bill of Rights.
  • India: The Constitution of India, adopted in 1950, is one of the lengthiest and most detailed written constitutions. It defines the government's structure, citizens' fundamental rights, and state duties, among other aspects.
  • Germany: The Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany, enacted in 1949, serves as Germany's constitution. It establishes the country's federal structure, delineates the powers of the federal and state governments, and enshrines individual rights.
  • Japan: The post-World War II Constitution of Japan was adopted in 1947. It outlines the nation's political and legal structure, emphasizing democratic principles, human rights, and pacifism.
  • South Africa: The Constitution of South Africa, enacted in 1996. It is renowned for its progressive stance on human rights and social justice. It addresses issues of equality, non-discrimination, and socioeconomic rights.
  • Brazil: The Constitution of Brazil, established in 1988, defines the country's federal structure, individual rights, and governmental powers. It reflects a commitment to social welfare and environmental protection.

What is the Unwritten Constitution?

An unwritten constitution also refers to a set of fundamental principles that govern a nation. However, they are not structured or compiled in a single written document. They are based on customs, conventions, judicial decisions, and historical precedents. 

An unwritten constitution evolves. New laws and guidelines are added gradually. Unwritten constitutions are often found in countries with a long history of parliamentary democracy. It includes the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

Examples of Unwritten Constitution

  • United Kingdom: The United Kingdom has an unwritten constitution primarily based on statutes, common law, and conventions rather than a single written document.
  • New Zealand: New Zealand relies on statutes, conventions, and traditions to form its unwritten constitution.
  • Israel: Israel lacks a single written constitution but relies on a combination of Basic Laws that cover fundamental principles and rights.
  • Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia's constitution is largely based on Islamic law (Sharia) and the Quran, with fundamental laws and regulations guiding governance.
  • Canada (partially): While Canada has a written constitution, some elements, like constitutional conventions and unwritten traditions, are an integral part of its governance.
  • Netherlands: The Netherlands has a mix of written laws, statutes, and unwritten traditions that collectively form its constitution.
  • Denmark: Denmark's constitution blends written laws, statutes, and unwritten principles, reflecting its historical development.
  • Sweden: Sweden's constitution amalgamates written laws and unwritten principles, contributing to its political structure.
  • Australia (partially): While Australia has a written constitution, certain elements, like constitutional conventions, remain unwritten but significant in its governance.

Check the Comparison of the Indian constitution with other countries here.

Merits of a Written and Unwritten Constitution

Merits of Written Constitution

Merits of Unwritten Constitution

The most important merit of a written constitution is that it is very definite.

They are quite easily adaptable to changing circumstances.

There is no uncertainty.

They are progressive.

The constitution provides all fundamental principles in writing, and people can refer to it as and when they want.

The unwritten constitution can undergo changes without the basic framework being sidelined. This is useful, especially in case of unforeseen situations.

As the powers and organization of the various organs are well defined, there is very little scope for confusion and disputes.

Historically they seem to stand the test of time and keep up the traditions of a nation.

If a dispute arises, it can be referred to the judiciary.

It’s a continuous process of development.

The written constitution is drawn with great care and after long deliberation. It means it is the result of experience and knowledge.

There is no limitation of any pre-documented constitutional law.

There is no place for temporary emotions and hasty decisions.

They are flexible, and people can bring about changes without undertaking revolutions.

A written constitution protects the rights of individuals. Rights are incorporated in it, making them superior to the ordinary law and saving them from being changed by different governments as they wished.

Law can be added as and when required.

It checks the constitution from being twisted and turned according to popular whims and emotions. This gives a guarantee of stability.

As these constitutions evolve themselves with the changing time, public opinion finds a suitable place in the constitution and it terminates the possibility of revolution.

A written constitution is stable and guides us through difficult situations. It is more suitable for an emergency period.

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For a federal government, a written constitution is more suitable because there is a provision for central and state power separately.

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Check out the Salient features of the Constitution here!

Demerits of a Written and Unwritten Constitution

Demerits of the Written Constitution

Demerits of Unwritten Constitution

Generally, written constitutions are difficult to amend, thus introducing rigidity and conservatism.

The serious defect of an unwritten constitution is that it is vague and indefinite.

In a written constitution, the judiciary is quite conservative, and interpretations are merely to see whether a law follows the constitution or not. This might strangle a nation, which needs to change according to the times.

The common man may not understand the constitutional system of the country. He cannot refer to any document in which he can find all that he requires to understand the structure of the government of his country.

It tries to encompass all rules and ideals of a nation, which may not be suitable for all ages. Thus future growth may be neglected.

An unwritten constitution requires a very high degree of political consciousness among the people to understand its spirit, and ordinarily that is not easy to find.

Sometimes unwritten constitutions are quite unstable.

It sometimes becomes too exhaustive, leading to legal jugglery.

The judiciary may play more role than is warranted. It becomes the playthings of judicial tribunals. The judiciary can interpret unwritten laws as suited to its desire and will.

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It is also opposed that an unwritten constitution is not suited to democracies. The masses need a well-defined document under which they have to live. They may be suited for aristocratic societies but not for democracies.

Click on the link to download the Polity Notes for UPSC!

Conclusion

The Eclipse Doctrine states that a legal pre-constitutional rule that has been unconstitutional in whole or in part becomes inoperative as long as it is inconsistent with Part III of the constitution. However, if this type of regulation, which is conflicting with the Fundamental Rights or the charter, is surpassed after the constitution, it is far from a worthless or stillborn regulation and is to be ignored for all purposes. Both types of constitutions have the details of the political and socio-economic setup of a country. However, a written form of the Constitution is more suited for a vast country like India, where people of various ethnicity and socioeconomic background live together.

Know more about the Major Amendment of the constitution here.

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Difference between Written and Unwritten Constitution - FAQs

It required 2 years 11 months and 18 days to complete the Indian Constitution. There were eleven sessions held by the constituent assembly to complete the constitution.

The United Kingdom (Britain), New Zealand, and Israel have unwritten constitutions.

Indian constitution is said to be the largest document constitution.

The Constitution of the United States of America is said to be the oldest constitution in written form.

The Constitution of the United States of America is said to be the shortest constitution in written form.
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