Constitution
A constitution
is a system for govern-
ment—often codified as a written docu-
ment—that establishes the rules and prin-
ciples of an autonomous political entity. In
the case of countries, this term refers spe-
cifically to a national constitution defining
the fundamental political principles, and es-
tablishing the structure, procedures, powers
and duties, of a government. Most national
constitutions also guarantee certain rights to
the people. The term constitution can be ap-
plied to any overall law that defines the func-
tioning 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 ex-
tensively in regional government, at suprana-
tional (e.g., European Union), federal (e.g.,
United States Constitution), state or provin-
cial (e.g., Constitution of Maryland), 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 incorpor-
ated 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).
Etymology
The term constitution comes from a Latin
term denoting an important law, usually one
proclaimed by the Roman emperor ("constitu-
tiones principis"). Later, the term was widely
used in canon law for an important determin-
ation, especially by the Pope, which are now
referred to as apostolic constitutions.
General features
Generally, every constitution confers specific
powers to an organization or institutional en-
tity, established upon the primary condition
that it abides by the said constitution’s
limitations.
The Latin term ultra vires describes activ-
ities of officials within an organization or
polity that fall outside the constitutional or
statutory authority of those offic