legal effect. The Supreme Court, pursuant to its power of judicial review, is
empowered to declare any inconsistent laws unconstitutional.
Article 3
Liberia is a unitary sovereign state divided into counties for administrative
purposes. The form of government is Republican with three separate coordinate
branches: the Legislative, the Executive and Judiciary. Consistent with the
principles of separation of powers and checks and balances, no person holding
office in one of these branches shall hold office in or exercise any of the powers
assigned to either of the other two branches except as otherwise provided in this
Constitution; and no person holding office in one of the said branches shall serve on
any autonomous public agency.
CHAPTER II GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF NATIONAL POLICY
Article 4
The principles contained in this Chapter shall be fundamental in the governance of
the Republic and shall serve as guidelines in the formulation of legislative,
executive and administrative directives, policy-making and their execution.
Article 5
The Republic shall:
a. aim at strengthening the national integration and unity of the people of
Liberia, regardless of ethnic, regional or other differences, into one body politic;
and the Legislature shall enact laws promoting national unification and the
encouragement of all citizens to participate in government;
b. preserve, protect and promote positive Liberian culture, ensuring that
traditional values which are compatible with public policy and national progress
are adopted and developed as an integral part of the growing needs of the Liberian
society;
c. take steps, by appropriate legislation and executive orders, to eliminate
sectionalism and tribalism, and such abuses of power as the misuse of government
resources, nepotism and all other corrupt practices.
Article 6
The Republic shall, because of the vital role assigned to the individual citizen
under this Constitution for the social, economic and political well being of Liberia,
provide equal access to educational opportunities and facilities for all citizens to
the extent of available resources. Emphasis shall be placed on the mass education
of the Liberian people and the elimination of illiteracy.
Article 7