Constitutionalize

Constitutionalize is a verb that describes the process of making something part of a constitution, or of establishing something through a constitution. It can refer to the formal amendment of a written constitution to include new provisions, rights, or structures, or it can describe the broader adoption of principles or practices that are considered fundamental or constitutional in nature, even if not explicitly written into a formal document. This process often involves significant political and legal debate, as it elevates the subject matter to the highest level of legal authority within a state.

When a right or a policy is constitutionalized, it gains a special status, making it more difficult to alter or abolish than ordinary legislation. This often implies a desire for its long-term protection and stability. For example, a government might constitutionalize environmental protections to ensure they are not easily overturned by future political shifts. The act of constitutionalizing can also refer to the establishment of governmental bodies or powers through a constitution, ensuring their legitimacy and operational framework. Conversely, it can also describe the process by which a society agrees upon certain fundamental principles that guide its governance, even if these principles are not codified in a single document.