Constitution

A constitution is the fundamental law of a state or organization that establishes the framework for government, defines the distribution of political power, and protects the rights of individuals. It sets the structure of government, outlines the powers and responsibilities of different branches, and provides the rules by which laws are made and government authority is exercised.

Constitutions come in written and unwritten forms. A written constitution is a single formal document that codifies core principles and procedures, while an unwritten or partly codified system relies on statutes, judicial decisions, and conventions. Common elements include a preamble, articles or sections detailing the organs of government, and provisions for amendment. Most constitutions promote the separation of powers, checks and balances, the rule of law, and the sovereignty of the people or their representatives.

Functions include establishing legitimacy for the government, defining electoral processes, protecting fundamental rights, and setting limits on governmental power. They also provide mechanisms for constitutional interpretation and, in many jurisdictions, judicial review to resolve disputes over constitutionality.

Amendment processes vary, ranging from rigid, difficult changes to more flexible procedures. Interpretation is typically entrusted to courts or constitutional commissions that assess whether laws and actions comply with the constitution.

Historically, constitutions have emerged to limit monarchical or arbitrary power and to formalize guarantees of civil liberties. Examples include codified constitutions in the United States, Germany, and Canada, and uncodified systems in the United Kingdom and Israel.