constitution
Definition
A constitution is a set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is governed. It often outlines the rights and freedoms of citizens, the structure of government, and the distribution of power among its different branches.
Analogy
A constitution can be thought of as the rulebook for a game, where the game is the country's political system. Just as a rulebook outlines how a game should be played, who gets to play, and what happens if rules are broken, a constitution establishes how a government operates, defines citizens' rights, and sets limits on governmental powers.
Related terms
Rule of Law: The principle that all individuals, institutions, and entities are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated.
Separation of Powers: A governance model that divides governmental responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.
Judicial Review: The power of courts to assess whether a law or governmental action is in compliance with the constitution
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