An image of the draft constitution of 2013

ZIMSEC O Level History Notes: The Constitution of Zimbabwe: Introduction

Introduction

  • This topic seeks to define the Zimbabwean constitution and explain its functions
  • It also seeks to explain the background of the Zimbabwe constitution
  • It describe the bill of rights enshrined in the constitution
  • The topic discusses the weaknesses and strengths of the constitution
  • The topic explains the amendments made to the constitution after 1980
  • It describes why making a new constitution in 2000 was unsuccessful

The Origins of the Zimbabwe Constitution

  • The first constitution of Zimbabwe was formulated at the Lancaster House which took place from September to December 1979
  • It was attended by delegates from all political parties in Zimbabwe
  • The constitution was to decide how the new Zimbabwe was to be ruled
  • The constitution had a lot of compromises between the settlers and the guerillas
  • The PF could not stomach the fact that 20 seats had to be reserved for whites voters only in the parliament
  • The new government was not supposed to seize land for the next ten years
  • The parties then agreed to the constitution and was the framework used in the governance of Rhodesia up to 2013
  • The constitution was published by the United Kingdom government as Statutory Instrument 1979/160
  • The second Zimbabwe constitution was passed in 2013 and has been in use since

To access more topics go to the History Notes page.


Quick NetOne, Econet, And Telecel Airtime Recharge