Page 20 - English for Constitutional Law
P. 20
Speaking Practice
Exercise 3. Work in groups of 3-5 students. Complete the table below by searching for
information about the difference between the Indonesian and England constitutions. Then,
present your findings orally in front of the class.
Main points Indonesia England
Type of constitution
Its history
Law Sources
Parliament Roles
Judiciary Roles
Importance of previous cases
and decisions
Statutes Role
Statutes Interpretation
Reading Practice
The History of Constitutional Law in Indonesia
In the past, the term "constitutional law theory" was rarely heard, let alone discussed
in lectures and scientific forums. The constitutional law studied by students is constitutional
law in a narrow sense. This was influenced by the nature of the new order regime, which
sought to maintain the constitutional order then, which benefited the authorities to maintain
their power. Thoughts on constitutional law directly or indirectly eventually become
hegemonized/fettered. The constitutional order based on the constitutional law at that time
was purely the implementation of Pancasila and the 1945 constitution by imposing the single
principle of Pancasila and applying guidelines for living and practising Pancasila. As a result,
discussions on the theoretical side of constitutional law were abandoned, even restrained,
because they were considered "anti-establishment" thoughts and could disrupt national
stability.
The theory of constitutional law began to receive attention and developed rapidly
when the Indonesian nation entered the reform era. One of the main currents of the reform era
is the wave of democratisation. Democracy has provided space for demands for change
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