constitution

Definition of constitution

Pronunciation

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Proper noun

the Constitution

1. The supreme law of some countries, such as Australia, Ireland, and the United States.
   
   The Constitution is anchored in English liberal thought and the Magna Carta.

Noun

constitution (plural constitutions)

1. The act, or process of setting something up, or establishing something; the composition or structure of such a thing; its makeup.
2. The formal or informal system of primary principles and laws that regulates a government or other institutions.
3. A legal document describing such a formal system.
4. The general health of a person.
5. A person's physique or temperament

Derived terms

• constitutional

Related terms

• constitute
• constituent
• constituency
• constitutive

Further reading

A constitution is a set of rules for government-often codified as a written document-that enumerates the powers and functions of a political entity. In the case of countries, this term refers specifically to a national constitution defining the fundamental political principles, and establishing the structure, procedures, powers and duties, of a government. By limiting the government's own reach, most constitutions guarantee certain rights to the people. The term constitution can be applied to any overall law that defines the functioning of a government, including several historical constitutions that existed before the development of modern national constitutions.

Constitutions concern different kinds of political organizations. They are found extensively in regional government, at supranational (e.g., European Union), federal (e.g., Indian Constitution), state or provincial (e.g., the constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the constitution of the State of New York), and sub-national levels. They are also found in many political groups, such as political parties, pressure groups, and trade unions.

Non-political entities such as corporations and voluntary associations, whether incorporated or not, may also have a constitution. The constitution of a legally incorporated entity is more usually styled as its memorandum and articles of association (U.S. incorporation).

Constitution of India is the longest written constitution of any sovereign country in the world[1], containing 448 articles, 12 schedules and 94 amendments, thereby totaling 117,369 words in its English language version[2].

References

1. Pylee, M.V. (1997). India's Constitution. S. Chand & Co.. pp. 3. ISBN 812190403X.
2. "Constitution of India". Ministry of Law and Justice of India. July, 2008. Retrieved 2008-12-17.