Verfassung

Verfassung, in German-speaking political and legal contexts, refers to the fundamental law or charter that defines the political order of a state. It sets out the basic principles of government, determines the structure and powers of state organs, and guarantees the rights of individuals. Most modern states have a written constitution that explicitly sets forth these rules, although there are also unwritten or partly codified systems.

A typical Verfassung establishes: a division of powers among legislative, executive, and judicial branches; the organization of government at national and, in federal states, subnational levels; the framework for elections and political participation; and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms. It also describes the method for enacting and enforcing laws, and often the procedure for constitutional amendments.

Constitutional systems may include mechanisms of constitutional review, whereby courts examine laws and government actions for conformity with the Verfassung. In some states, a dedicated constitutional court or supreme court performs this function; in others, parliamentary or executive bodies share oversight.

Historically, the concept evolved from medieval charters to the rule of law in modern states. The German term Verfassung is commonly used for codified constitutions; but in some countries, the term Verfassung may be applied to varying legal orders, such as a basic law (Grundgesetz) in Germany or the Federal Constitution in Switzerland or Austria. The goal of a Verfassung is to limit arbitrary power, protect basic rights, and provide a stable framework for governance.