The flexibility and rigidity of the constitution refer to the __________

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks what "flexibility" and "rigidity" describe when we talk about a constitution.

Step 2: Explain the concept Constitutions are classified in different ways:

• Written vs. unwritten is about how the constitution is coded (whether it is in a single document).
• Flexible vs. rigid is about how easily the constitution can be amended or changed.

• A flexible constitution can be amended easily, often by the ordinary legislative process, with a simple majority. An example is the British constitution.
• A rigid constitution requires a special, more difficult procedure to amend it, such as a two-thirds or three-fourths majority in the legislature, or approval by state legislatures or a referendum. Examples are the Nigerian constitution (1999) and the American constitution.

Step 3: Go through the options

• A. Sources of constitution: This is about where the constitution comes from, such as customs, statutes and conventions. It is not what flexibility means.
• B. Making of constitution: This is about how it is drafted, for example by a constituent assembly. It is not what flexibility means.
• C. Ease of amending constitution: Correct. Flexibility and rigidity measure how easy or difficult it is to change the constitution.
• D. Coding of constitution: This refers to written versus unwritten constitutions, which is a different classification.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is C. ease of amending constitution.

Exam tip: Link the words to their meaning. "Flexible" means it bends easily, so it is easy to amend. "Rigid" means stiff, so it is hard to amend. Also remember that written/unwritten is about form, while flexible/rigid is about amendment.