Question

Why does a democratic country need a Constitution?

Answer 1

The basic principle that a democratic country abides by is freedom. However, granting it in absolute terms may lead to unjust misuse of this fundamental right. Hence, a set of rules for the same is necessary.
The Constitution of a country is this very set of rules and principles meant to avoid arbitration of rights.The Constitution of a democratic country follows four basic guidelines: firstly, it upholds the ideals of its representative country; defining the type of society we live in. Secondly, it defines the nature of the country’s political system which runs the nation; for example, Nepal was a monarchy until 2006 when the people’s movement finally bore fruit and a new Constitution established Nepal as a democracy. Thirdly, the Constitution works as a safeguard against tyrannical use of power by dominant groups against minorities. Hence, in India, which is a melting pot of several cultures and religions, the Constitution ensures that the majority i.e., the Hindus do not use their status to overwhelm the minorities predominantly comprising Muslims and Christians. Lastly, the Constitution protects us from ourselves in ascertaining that our whims cannot change its basic structure i.e., provisions that guarantee citizens’ rights cannot be easily overthrown.
Thus, a democratic nation needs a Constitution to uphold its rights of freedom and equality.