Constitution

How it is used

Constitutions are drafted, adopted, amended and interpreted. A law that conflicts with the constitution can be declared unconstitutional by a court. Most countries have a single written constitution; a few rely on several laws and customs instead.

Example sentences

1. The constitution guarantees freedom of assembly and the right to a fair trial.

2. Changing the constitution requires a two-thirds majority in parliament.

Common collocations

• amend the constitution
• draft a constitution
• under the constitution
• written constitution
• constitutional amendment

Related terms

• constitutional courtA high court whose main job is to decide whether laws and government actions are in line with the constitution, and to cancel those that are not.
• amendmentA change made to a bill, a law or a constitution, or a formal proposal for such a change that is discussed and voted on.
• separation of powersThe principle that the legislative, executive and judicial powers of the state should be held by separate bodies, so that no single body becomes too powerful.
• human rightsThe basic rights and freedoms that every person has simply because they are human, such as the right to life, liberty, a fair trial and freedom of thought.
• rule of lawThe principle that everyone, including the government and its officials, must obey the law, and that laws are applied fairly by independent courts.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

• constitution · Law

More terms: Constitution, Courts and Rights

• citizen
• judiciary
• freedom of expression
• checks and balances