constitutionnelles

Constitutionnelles is the feminine plural form of the French adjective constitutionnel, meaning "constitutional." As a modifier, it describes things related to a constitution or to constitutional principles. Grammatically, it agrees with feminine plural nouns such as libertés constitutionnelles or garanties constitutionnelles. In addition, constitutionnelles can be used as a nominal phrase to refer to groups or individuals identified by their support for constitutional government, though the masculine form constitutionnels is more commonly used for generic references.

In modern French, the term appears frequently in legal and political contexts. Expressions such as droits constitutionnels (constitutional rights), garanties constitutionnelles (constitutional guarantees), and autorités constitutionnelles (constitutional authorities) are common. The word is employed to distinguish rights, powers, or institutions that derive from a constitution from those based on other legal authorities.

Historically, the label has been used to denote supporters of constitutional forms of government. Across different periods and countries, groups described as constitutionnels or constitutionnelles advocated codified rules, separation of powers, and the protection of civil liberties, often in opposition to absolutist or autocratic rule. The exact historical use varies by nation and era, but the underlying emphasis remains constitutional governance and the rule of law.

See also: constitutionnel, droit constitutionnel, constitutionnalité, constitution.