test — Civic Education (Constitution)

THE DMS ONLINE SCHOOL

SOCIAL SCIENCES

GRADE: Grade 10 TERM: 1 YEAR: 2026

TIME: 1 HOUR 30 MINUTES TOTAL MARKS: 50

NAME OF PUPIL: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

SUBJECT: CIVIC EDUCATION — PAPER 1

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Answer ALL questions in the spaces provided.

2. Show all working for calculations.

3. Use correct units where applicable.

4. Marks for each question are shown in brackets.

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SECTION A: MULTIPLE CHOICE (10 MARKS) 1. A constitution that is contained in a single document and systematically arranged is known as a/an ... A. flexible constitution. B. rigid constitution. C. unwritten constitution. D. written constitution. 2. Which type of constitution can be easily amended by a simple majority vote in parliament, similar to ordinary laws? A. Entrenched constitution B. Flexible constitution C. Rigid constitution D. Written constitution 3. Which part of the Zambian Constitution deals with the rights and duties of individuals born in or naturalized in Zambia? A. The Executive B. The Judicature C. Citizenship D. House of Chiefs 4. The part of the Zambian Constitution that outlines the powers and functions of the President, Vice President, and Cabinet is called the ... A. Bill of Rights. B. Executive. C. Judicature. D. Legislature. 5. Which body is often established to collect views from citizens during the early stages of constitution making in Zambia? A. Parliament B. Referendum C. Review Commission D. Supreme Court 6. The final stage of adopting a new constitution, where citizens directly vote to approve or reject the proposed document, is called a/an ... A. Constituent Assembly. B. Constitutional Conference. C. National debate. D. Referendum. 7. A good constitution should be able to remain relevant and effective over a long period despite changes in society. This characteristic is known as ... A. clarity. B. flexibility. C. standing the test of time. D. protecting rights. 8. One important characteristic of a good constitution is that it should clearly state the roles, powers, and limitations of government organs. This refers to its ... A. ability to protect rights. B. clarity. C. flexibility. D. rigidity. 9. A constitution is crucial for a nation because it provides a framework for fair and just governance, ensuring that leaders act within legal boundaries. This highlights its role in enhancing ... A. economic development. B. democratic governance. C. national unity. D. cultural preservation. 10. The constitution protects individuals from arbitrary actions by the state and ensures that everyone is subject to the same laws. This demonstrates its importance in promoting the ... A. rule of law. B. public media. C. national budget. D. traditional ceremonies. SECTION B: SHORT ANSWER (20 MARKS) 11. Distinguish between a flexible and a rigid constitution. [4] ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 12. Outline four main parts of the Zambian Constitution. [4] ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 13. Describe the role of a Referendum in the constitution adoption process. [4] ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 14. Explain two characteristics of a good constitution. [4] ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 15. State two reasons why a constitution is important to a nation. [4] ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… SECTION C: STRUCTURED QUESTIONS (20 MARKS) 16. (a) Differentiate between a written and an unwritten constitution. [4] ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (b) Explain two main parts of the Zambian Constitution. [4] ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (c) Outline two stages involved in the constitution making and adoption process. [2] ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 17. (a) Discuss two characteristics of a good constitution. [4] ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (b) Explain three stages involved in the constitution making and adoption process. [3] ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (c) Explain the importance of a constitution in promoting the rule of law. [3] ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… MARKING SCHEME SECTION A: MULTIPLE CHOICE (10 MARKS) 1. D 2. B 3. C 4. B 5. C 6. D 7. C 8. B 9. B 10. A SECTION B: SHORT ANSWER (20 MARKS) 11. Distinguish between a flexible and a rigid constitution. [4] • A flexible constitution can be amended easily by a simple majority vote in parliament, similar to ordinary laws. [2] • A rigid constitution requires a special, more difficult procedure for amendment, often needing a two-thirds majority or a referendum. [2] 12. Outline four main parts of the Zambian Constitution. [4] Any four of the following: (1 mark each) • Citizenship • The Executive • The Judicature (Judiciary) • The Legislature (Parliament) • The Bill of Rights • The House of Chiefs • Public Service Commission • Electoral Commission of Zambia 13. Describe the role of a Referendum in the constitution adoption process. [4] • A referendum is a direct vote by all eligible citizens on a proposed constitution. [2] • It allows the public to approve or reject the draft constitution, giving it legitimacy and ensuring popular participation in its adoption. [2] 14. Explain two characteristics of a good constitution. [4] Any two of the following, with explanation: (2 marks each) • Clarity: It should be clear, concise, and easy to understand for all citizens, avoiding ambiguous language. [1] It clearly defines the powers and responsibilities of government branches and the rights of citizens. [1] • Stand the test of time: It should be durable and adaptable, providing a stable framework for governance over many years without frequent amendments. [1] It must be able to cater for future changes and societal developments. [1] • Protects rights of citizens: It should clearly outline and safeguard the fundamental human rights and freedoms of all individuals. [1] This ensures that no one is discriminated against and everyone enjoys basic liberties. [1] • Comprehensive: It should cover all essential aspects of governance, including the structure of government, electoral systems, and a clear bill of rights. [1] • Reflects national values: It should embody the aspirations, culture, and values of the people it governs. [1] 15. State two reasons why a constitution is important to a nation. [4] Any two of the following, with explanation: (2 marks each) • Enhances democratic governance: It establishes a framework for fair elections, separation of powers, and accountability, ensuring that leaders govern according to the will of the people. [2] • Promotes protection of the rule of law: It ensures that everyone, including those in power, is subject to the law, preventing arbitrary rule and promoting justice and equality. [2] • Protects human rights: It guarantees fundamental freedoms and rights for all citizens, safeguarding them from abuse by the state or other individuals. [2] • Provides stability and order: It sets out clear rules for how a country is governed, preventing chaos and promoting peace and national unity. [2] • Limits government power: It defines the boundaries of government authority, preventing the abuse of power and ensuring checks and balances. [2] SECTION C: STRUCTURED QUESTIONS (20 MARKS) 16. (a) Differentiate between a written and an unwritten constitution. [4] • A written constitution is codified in a single, formal document or a set of documents. [2] • An unwritten constitution is one that is not contained in a single document but is derived from various sources like customs, conventions, statutes, and judicial precedents. [2] (b) Explain two main parts of the Zambian Constitution. [4] Any two of the following, with explanation: (2 marks each) • Citizenship: This part defines who is a citizen of Zambia, how citizenship can be acquired or lost, and the rights and responsibilities associated with it. [2] • The Executive: This outlines the powers, functions, and composition of the President, Vice President, and Cabinet, who are responsible for implementing laws and governing the country. [2] • The Judicature (Judiciary): This establishes the court system, defines the powers of judges, and ensures the independent administration of justice in the country. [2] • The Legislature (Parliament): This sets out the structure and functions of Parliament, which is responsible for making laws and overseeing the government. [2] • Bill of Rights: This section guarantees the fundamental human rights and freedoms of all Zambian citizens, ensuring their protection by the state. [2] • House of Chiefs: This outlines the establishment, composition, and functions of the House of Chiefs, which advises the government on traditional matters. [2] (c) Outline two stages involved in the constitution making and adoption process. [2] Any two of the following: (1 mark each) • Appointment of a Review Commission • Collection of public submissions/views • National debate • Drafting of the constitution • Constituent Assembly/Constitutional Conference • Parliamentary approval • Referendum • Presidential assent/Gazetting 17. (a) Discuss two characteristics of a good constitution. [4] Any two of the following, with discussion: (2 marks each) • Clear and unambiguous: A good constitution uses simple, precise language that is easy for ordinary citizens to understand, avoiding confusion or misinterpretation of its provisions. [2] • Adaptability (Flexible where needed): While being durable, it should also have mechanisms for amendment to adapt to changing societal needs and circumstances without losing its core principles. [2] • Protection of fundamental rights: It clearly defines and guarantees the basic human rights and freedoms of all citizens, ensuring their protection against state interference. [2] • Separation of powers: It establishes distinct branches of government (Executive, Legislature, Judiciary) with separate powers and responsibilities to prevent the concentration of power and ensure checks and balances. [2] • Reflects national values and aspirations: A good constitution embodies the cultural values, historical experiences, and future goals of the nation, making it relevant and acceptable to its people. [2] (b) Explain three stages involved in the constitution making and adoption process. [3] Any three of the following: (1 mark each) • Review Commissions: Expert bodies appointed to gather public opinions and research on constitutional issues. • National debate: Public discussions and consultations held across the country to allow citizens to contribute their views on the proposed constitution. • Constituent Assembly/Constitutional Conference: A body composed of elected representatives, experts, and stakeholders to debate and draft the constitution. • Parliamentary approval: The draft constitution is presented to the national parliament for debate and approval, often requiring a special majority. • Referendum: A direct vote by eligible citizens to approve or reject the final draft of the constitution. • Presidential assent/Gazetting: The President signs the approved constitution into law, and it is officially published. (c) Explain the importance of a constitution in promoting the rule of law. [3] • A constitution promotes the rule of law by establishing that all individuals and institutions, including the government itself, are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated. [2] • It ensures that no one is above the law and that legal processes are fair and transparent, thereby preventing arbitrary exercise of power. [1]

test — Civic Education (Constitution)

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