This is a constitution with a special laid down procedure for effecting any alteration of its provisions. These procedures in most cases go beyond the ordinary legislative procedure for passing bills into law. Nigeria and the United States of America are good examples of countries with this type of constitution.
Advantages of Rigid Constitution
1. A rigid constitution helps to ensure an orderly change of government.
2. A rigid constitution helps to make for political stability in multiethnic states with diverse cultures by protecting minority groups.
3. The difficulties associated with its amendment act as a check against arbitrary manipulation of the constitution by unscrupulous leaders/rulers.
4. It is indispensable in the efficient and effective operation of a federal system of government like in the case of Nigeria.
5. It does not allow politicians with vested interests to manipulate the constitution against the interest of the majority.
Disadvantages of Rigid Constitution
1. The method of amendment is very complicated.
2. The cumbersome nature of amending a rigid constitution may lead to slow economic growth and development.
3. Rigid constitution does not encourage changes and innovations due to its burdensome mode of the amendment.