towards the constitution, what is the extent of constitutional literacy in Sierra Leone, which aspect of the constitution are people more literate in, how do we ensure sufficient level of constitutional literacy in order to render the process relevant and authentic, how do we ensure the legitimacy of the constitution and what gives legitimacy to the process. He also spoke on the difference between constitution and constitutionalism. The latter refers to the adhering to certain best practices in the making of constitution. As we go about researching on constitution, we should have certain principles in mind such as putting all the powers in one person, or organ, one that will create very unaccountable elites, one that is not based on the rule of law, and one that does not protect minority interest. Such constitutions he said are not based on constitutionalism. We as researchers therefore need to know these tenets of modern constitutionalism before we can ask the right questions which must be informed by some of these issues. This helps the process and it is not only about asking the right questions, but also about avoiding pitfalls. On constitutional theories and research, he said this is more often comparative across time and space. Across time compares constitutions even if within the same country but of different historical make-ups; and across space compares the constitution of one country with another country. Theories of constitutional developments were outlined as follows: The institutionalist approach—looks at how the constitution reflects the structural bases of society and social cleavages. The cultural approach—looks at cultural integration and customary practices. The actor centered approach—is centered on particular actors on the rules of the game. Reasons for Constitutional Reforms These were highlighted as follow: Response to governance challenges Ideational reasons—relating to such as human rights, the rule of law etc. to ensure greater protection Power politics—strategic considerations, protection of political interest and preservation of hegemonies The facilitator also said that public participation in constitutional review does not only refer to quantity but also the variety and quality of the discuss. This means that it is not just about increasing the number of participants but is also about ensuring diversity of actors and the taking steps to include the views of marginalized sectors of society. Reasons for participatory Research Methodology These include:
towards the constitution, what is the extent of constitutional literacy in Sierra Leone, which aspect of the constitution are people more literate in, how do we ensure sufficient level of constitutional literacy in order to render the process relevant and authentic, how do we ensure the legitimacy of the constitution and what gives legitimacy to the process. He also spoke on the difference between constitution and constitutionalism. The latter refers to the adhering to certain best practices in the making of constitution. As we go about researching on constitution, we should have certain principles in mind such as putting all the powers in one person, or organ, one that will create very unaccountable elites, one that is not based on the rule of law, and one that does not protect minority interest. Such constitutions he said are not based on constitutionalism. We as researchers therefore need to know these tenets of modern constitutionalism before we can ask the right questions which must be informed by some of these issues. This helps the process and it is not only about asking the right questions, but also about avoiding pitfalls. On constitutional theories and research, he said this is more often comparative across time and space. Across time compares constitutions even if within the same country but of different historical make-ups; and across space compares the constitution of one country with another country. Theories of constitutional developments were outlined as follows: The institutionalist approach—looks at how the constitution reflects the structural bases of society and social cleavages. The cultural approach—looks at cultural integration and customary practices. The actor centered approach—is centered on particular actors on the rules of the game. Reasons for Constitutional Reforms These were highlighted as follow: Response to governance challenges Ideational reasons—relating to such as human rights, the rule of law etc. to ensure greater protection Power politics—strategic considerations, protection of political interest and preservation of hegemonies The facilitator also said that public participation in constitutional review does not only refer to quantity but also the variety and quality of the discuss. This means that it is not just about increasing the number of participants but is also about ensuring diversity of actors and the taking steps to include the views of marginalized sectors of society. Reasons for participatory Research Methodology These include:
research_sub_committee_report.docx