key term - 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.

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