The Book You Need By W. Phillips Shively

The Book You Need W Phillips Shively Power A

Discussion Assignment -The book you need : W. Phillips Shively. Power and Choice: An Introduction to Political Science (New York: McGraw Hill, 2007). -Chapter 9: Constitutional Government in Great Britain and Constitution-Writing in South Africa Basic Questions for the Assignments Q1.What are the basic theoretical concepts and insights on the nature of politics presented in the chapter? Make sure to provide definitions or explanations for those concepts presented in the chapters and their relevance to the contents in the chapter. Q2.How do the concepts presented in the chapter demonstrate and illustrate the significance of the case studies?. 2 pages in length. Note: some chapters present from one to three examples or case studies. Thus, complete assignments must include a response to all of the examples provided in each chapter

Paper For Above instruction

The chapter 9 of W. Phillips Shively's "Power and Choice" delves into the nuances of constitutional governance, specifically contrasting the frameworks of Great Britain and South Africa. This comparison illuminates fundamental theoretical concepts about the nature of politics, sovereignty, legitimacy, and institutional design, which are critical to understanding how power is distributed, exercised, and perceived within different political systems.

At the core of the chapter is the concept of constitutional government, emphasizing the importance of legal constraints on political authority. In Great Britain, the constitutional system is characterized by its unwritten constitution, a complex amalgamation of statutes, conventions, and historical documents, which collectively define the scope and limits of governmental power. This contrasts with South Africa's constitution, a codified legal document that explicitly delineates governmental authority and individual rights. Both contexts demonstrate the political concept of sovereignty—sovereignty in Britain is dispersed among various constitutional conventions and parliamentary sovereignty, whereas in South Africa, sovereignty resides with the constitution as the supreme law of the land.

The chapter underscores the importance of legitimacy—political authority recognized as valid by the governed—as a key aspect determining the stability and effectiveness of government. In Britain, legitimacy is rooted in tradition, parliamentary authority, and legal historicism, which foster a sense of continuity and legitimacy even in the absence of a single constitutional document. Conversely, South Africa's constitution is rooted in democratic principles and national sovereignty, emphasizing the rule of law and human rights, which establish legitimacy through modern constitutionalism.

Another pertinent concept discussed is the separation of powers and checks and balances. Britain features a relatively flexible parliamentary system where the executive (cabinet) is drawn from the legislature (parliament), and the system relies heavily on conventions rather than codified rules to manage power dynamics. South Africa, guided by a written constitution, employs a clear separation of powers among the executive, legislature, and judiciary, with explicit mechanisms for oversight and accountability, illustrating classical liberal notions of institutional checks to prevent the abuse of power.

The case studies in the chapter—namely, the constitutional development of Great Britain and South Africa—serve to illustrate these theoretical insights vividly. Britain's constitutional evolution demonstrates how unwritten and customary constitutional arrangements can effectively sustain a stable, flexible government that adapts over time without a single foundational document. Its case emphasizes the importance of conventions and parliamentary sovereignty, with historical precedents shaping ongoing political legitimacy and authority.

South Africa's case vividly illustrates the transition from colonial rule to a democratic constitutional state, emphasizing the central role of a drafted constitution in establishing legitimacy and defining the scope of government power. The post-apartheid constitution underscores the values of human rights and national unity, demonstrating how a well-crafted written constitution can serve as a foundation for legitimacy, stability, and democratic accountability in a diverse society. The contrast between these two case studies highlights that different approaches to constitutional design—unwritten versus written—can both support effective governance, provided they are embedded within broader political and cultural contexts.

In conclusion, the chapter's key theoretical concepts—constitutional government, sovereignty, legitimacy, and separation of powers—are demonstrated through these case studies, illustrating how different historical and cultural contexts shape the organization and legitimacy of political institutions. These insights are vital for understanding the essence of political systems and how constitutional arrangements influence the stability, legitimacy, and functionality of governments across diverse political environments.

References

• Shively, W. P. (2007). Power and Choice: An Introduction to Political Science. McGraw-Hill.
• Linz, J. J., & Stepan, A. (1996). The Breakdown of Democratic Regimes. Johns Hopkins University Press.
• Moeckli, L., La Rosa, A., & O'Sullivan, M. (2019). Human Rights and International Law. Oxford University Press.
• Bates, R. H. (2010). The Politics of using Constitutions. Cambridge University Press.
• Kelsen, H. (2009). The Pure Theory of Law. Princeton University Press.
• Loughlin, M. (2010). The Idea of Public Law. Oxford University Press.
• Berman, C., & McCormick, J. (2018). Comparative Politics. Routledge.
• Dye, T. R. (2010). Politics in States and Communities. Pearson.
• Declercq, H. (2011). Constitutional Cultures and Democratic Action. University of Pennsylvania Press.
• Meredith, M. (2014). The Constitution of South Africa: A Contextual Analysis. Hart Publishing.