Most mornings, reading the newspaper, I wonder whether I have bought the legal supplement by mistake. The court has asked. The court has stayed. The court has directed. Somewhere between the weather forecast and the advertisements, I search for what the government has done without needing a judge to examine it afterwards.I imagine a cabinet meeting. “What shall we announce today?” asks somebody. “Should we check whether it is constitutional?” ventures a nervous newcomer. There is an uncomfortable silence. “Young man,” says a senior colleague, “we announce. Citizens object. Lawyers argue. Judges decide. Please do not disturb an established administrative procedure.”Of course, governments must govern, and courts must examine disputed questions. A policy being challenged does not automatically make it unlawful. But surely constitutional scrutiny should begin before the press conference, before the celebratory posters, and preferably before a citizen has mortgaged his peace of mind to afford a lawyer.Our ministers promise allegiance to the Constitution and undertake to act according to it and the law. That is quite a commitment. It suggests some familiarity with the contents.Perhaps the first year after election should include compulsory Constitution classes. No garlands until homework is submitted. No foreign study tour until the pupil can explain fundamental rights. Attendance must be personal. Sending an assistant with instructions to say, “Sir fully supports the syllabus,” will result in another year of schooling.“Today,” says the teacher, “we shall discuss equality before the law.” Several hands rise. “Does that include the opposition?” “Yes.” “Critics?” “Yes.” “People who did not vote for us?” “Yes.” A troubled member reaches for his phone. “We may need an urgent meeting of the parliamentary party. This chapter has serious implications.”The examination should consist of practical questions. A citizen disagrees with you. Do you answer him, listen to him, or search for an obscure regulation under which his balcony becomes illegal? Give reasons. Candidates choosing the balcony must repeat the course, preferably from a classroom overlooking their own unauthorised extensions.Think of the savings. Fewer avoidable disputes. Less public money spent defending decisions that should have been questioned at the drafting table. More court time for people waiting years for justice. And perhaps officials could spend their afternoons improving a policy instead of preparing explanations for why nobody noticed its obvious problems.The Constitution allows government to function and gives citizens grounds to question its actions. Anyone seeking the privilege of office should welcome the discipline that comes with it. A chauffeur who regards traffic signals as personal insults is hardly reassuring to the passengers, however impressive his election victory.So let us begin those classes. Put the Constitution on every representative’s desk, open it, and ask the first question: “Have you read what you promised to uphold?” If the answer is no, hand him a return ticket to where he came from.The country is suffering from this lack of legal education…!The Author conducts an online, eight session Writers and Speakers Course. If you’d like to join, do send a thumbs-up to WhatsApp number 9892572883 or send a message to bobsbanter@gmail.com