The fundamental law of a country refers to its?

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks what is meant by the "fundamental law" of a country, meaning the supreme or basic law that all other laws and government actions must follow.

Step 2: Explain the concept Every country has a body of rules that:

• establishes the organs of government (executive, legislature, judiciary),
• defines their powers and limits,
• guarantees citizens' rights and duties.

This body of rules is the constitution. It is called the "grundnorm" or supreme law. Any law that conflicts with it is void to the extent of the inconsistency. For example, Section 1(3) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria says that if any other law is inconsistent with the constitution, the constitution prevails.

Step 3: Evaluate the options

• A. Acts of parliament: These are ordinary laws made by the legislature. They are subordinate to the constitution, so they are not fundamental.
• B. Conventions: These are unwritten customs and practices, as in the British system. They are not the basic law and are not legally enforceable.
• C. Constitution: This is the supreme, fundamental law of the land. ✔
• D. Judicial precedence: These are past court decisions that guide later cases. They are not the foundation of the state.

Step 4: Answer The fundamental law of a country refers to its constitution, which is option C.

Tip: Remember "Fundamental = Foundation." Whenever you see "fundamental law," "supreme law," or "grundnorm," think constitution. Acts of parliament, conventions, and precedents all sit below it.