A constitution is a set of written rules that define the nature and extent of government and regulate the relationship between institutions of the state, such as the executive, legislature, and judiciary. The functions of a constitution can be summarized as follows:
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Creating a national government: The constitution creates a national government consisting of a legislative, an executive, and a judicial branch, with a system of checks and balances among the three branches.
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Dividing power: The constitution divides power between the federal government and the states.
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Protecting individual liberties: The constitution protects various individual liberties of American citizens.
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Defining the boundaries of the political community: Constitutions can declare and define the boundaries of the political community, including territorial and personal boundaries.
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Establishing and regulating political institutions: Constitutions define the various institutions of government, prescribe their composition, powers, and functions, and regulate relations between them.
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Declaring and defining the rights and duties of citizens: Most constitutions include a declaration of fundamental rights applicable to citizens, including basic civil liberties that are necessary for an open and democratic society.
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Serving as a coordination device: Political economy theory regards constitutions as coordination devices that help citizens prevent rulers from abusing power.
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Providing a legal basis for a polity: A constitution constitutes the legal basis of a polity, organization, or other type of entity, and commonly determines how that entity is governed.
Constitutions are often protected by a legal body whose job it is to interpret those constitutions and, where applicable, declare void executive and legislative acts which infringe the constitution.
