A constitution is a foundational legal document or framework that defines how a country or organization is governed. It establishes the basic principles, structures, and powers of government, as well as the rights and duties of citizens, and typically sets the rules for how political authority is exercised and limited. Key ideas:
- Foundational rules: It describes the core rules that guide political power and state organization.
- Structure and powers: It outlines the main branches or bodies of government (such as the legislative, executive, and judiciary) and how they interact.
- Rights protections: It often enshrines fundamental rights and liberties of individuals.
- Formal rigidity: Constitutions are generally harder to change than ordinary laws, requiring special procedures (e.g., supermajorities or referendums).
- Legitimacy: They reflect broad public legitimacy and consensus about the state's identity and governance.
Common types:
- Written (codified) constitutions: A single formal document that lays out principles and rules.
- Unwritten (uncodified) constitutions: A collection of statutes, conventions, and legal norms that collectively function as the constitutional framework.
If you’d like, I can tailor this to a specific country or organization and highlight how their constitution meets these characteristics.
