Põhiseadmega

Põhiseadmega is an Estonian term meaning “with a constitution.” It is the instrumental/comitative form derived from the noun põhiseadus (constitution) and is used to describe the legal or political status of a state or system that operates under a constitution.

In practice, põhiseadmega is used to indicate that a state has a constitutional framework that defines fundamental principles, rights, and the distribution and limits of governmental powers. It contrasts with phrases like põhiseadeta, meaning “without a constitution,” which describes a situation or regime lacking a formal constitutional framework. The term appears in legal, political science, and encyclopedic writing to categorize countries or jurisdictions.

Common usage includes phrases such as a põhi­seadmega riik, referring to a country that has a constitution, and more broadly in discussions of constitutionalism, rule of law, and governance. The expression emphasizes the existence and importance of a codified or entrenched legal base that governs state institutions and citizen rights.

Etymology and grammar: põhiseadmega combines põhiseadus (constitution) with the comitative suffix -ga, signaling “with” or “accompanied by.” Related forms include põhiseadus, põhiseaduse (genitive), and põhiseadusega, among other declined forms used in different syntactic contexts.

Overall, põhiseadmega is a standard, neutral descriptor in Estonian political and legal discourse to denote that a polity operates under a constitution. Its use helps distinguish constitutional states from those without a formal constitutional framework.