Comparative Constitutionalism and Good Governance in the Commonwealth: An Eastern and Southern African Perspective
Cambridge University Press, 6/16/2009
EAN 9780521118293, ISBN10: 0521118298
Paperback, 388 pages, 22.9 x 15.2 x 2.5 cm
Language: English
The central role that good, effective and capable governance plays in the economic and social development of a country is now widely recognised. Using the Commonwealth countries of eastern and southern Africa, this book analyses some of the key constitutional issues in the process of developing, strengthening and consolidating the capacity of states to ensure the good governance of their peoples. Utilising comparative material, the book seeks to draw lessons, both positive and negative, about the problems of constitutionalism in the region and, in doing so, critically addresses the legal issues involved in seeking to make constitutions 'work' in practice.
Preface
List of cases
List of constitutions
List of statutes
List of other instruments
Map
Introduction
1. The democratic state in Africa
setting the scene
2. Constitutions and the search for a viable political order
3. Devising popular and durable national constitutions
the new constitutions of the 1990s
4. Perfecting imperfections
amending a constitution
5. Presidentialism and restraints upon executive power
6. Enhancing access to the political system
7. Making legislatures effective
8. The judiciary and the protection of constitutional rights
9. The devolution of power to local communities
10. Developing autochthonous oversight bodies
human rights commissions and offices of the ombudsman
11. Seeking constitutional control of the military
12. Constitutionalism and emergency powers
13. Constitutional governance
the lessons from southern and eastern experience
Bibliography
Index.