PLS1502: ASSIGNMENT 1 QUIZ 100% COMPLETE SOLUTIONS RECENTLY
UPDATED 2026/2027
PLS1502
Introduction to Public Law
UNISA
EXAM PREPARATION GUIDE
Most Tested Topics, Cases & Model Answers
2026 Edition
SECTION 1: CONSTITUTIONAL FOUNDATIONS
, 1.1 Section 1 – Founding Provisions of the Constitution
Section 1 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 establishes the founding
values of the constitutional democracy:
• Human dignity, the achievement of equality and the advancement of human rights and
freedoms
• Non-racialism and non-sexism
• Supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law
• Universal adult suffrage, a national common voters roll, regular elections, and a multi-
party system of democratic government
💡 Exam tip: Always quote the EXACT values from s1 when asked about founding provisions. These
four pillars are frequently tested.
1.2 Section 2 – Constitutional Supremacy
Section 2 declares the Constitution to be the supreme law of the Republic. Any law or conduct
inconsistent with the Constitution is invalid.
Feature Parliamentary Sovereignty Constitutional Supremacy
(old) (current)
Legal basis Westminster system (pre-1994) Constitution Act 108 of 1996
Parliament's power Unlimited — Parliament could Limited by the Constitution and
pass any law Bill of Rights
Courts' role Could not invalidate Acts of Can strike down unconstitutional
Parliament legislation
Highest law Acts of Parliament The Constitution itself
1.3 Rule of Law
The rule of law means that everyone, including the government, is subject to the law. Key
principles include:
• Law must be accessible, clear and predictable
• Government must act within its legal powers (legality principle)
• Courts must be accessible and independent
💡 Key case: Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of SA v President of RSA 2000 (2) SA 674
(CC) — established that all exercises of public power must be rationally related to a legitimate
government purpose.
UPDATED 2026/2027
PLS1502
Introduction to Public Law
UNISA
EXAM PREPARATION GUIDE
Most Tested Topics, Cases & Model Answers
2026 Edition
SECTION 1: CONSTITUTIONAL FOUNDATIONS
, 1.1 Section 1 – Founding Provisions of the Constitution
Section 1 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 establishes the founding
values of the constitutional democracy:
• Human dignity, the achievement of equality and the advancement of human rights and
freedoms
• Non-racialism and non-sexism
• Supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law
• Universal adult suffrage, a national common voters roll, regular elections, and a multi-
party system of democratic government
💡 Exam tip: Always quote the EXACT values from s1 when asked about founding provisions. These
four pillars are frequently tested.
1.2 Section 2 – Constitutional Supremacy
Section 2 declares the Constitution to be the supreme law of the Republic. Any law or conduct
inconsistent with the Constitution is invalid.
Feature Parliamentary Sovereignty Constitutional Supremacy
(old) (current)
Legal basis Westminster system (pre-1994) Constitution Act 108 of 1996
Parliament's power Unlimited — Parliament could Limited by the Constitution and
pass any law Bill of Rights
Courts' role Could not invalidate Acts of Can strike down unconstitutional
Parliament legislation
Highest law Acts of Parliament The Constitution itself
1.3 Rule of Law
The rule of law means that everyone, including the government, is subject to the law. Key
principles include:
• Law must be accessible, clear and predictable
• Government must act within its legal powers (legality principle)
• Courts must be accessible and independent
💡 Key case: Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of SA v President of RSA 2000 (2) SA 674
(CC) — established that all exercises of public power must be rationally related to a legitimate
government purpose.
