Some societies write down the fundamental rules of political life. A constitution is a set of principles and institutions that define how a state is governed, the powers of its branches, and the rights of its citizens. It may be a single codified document or an accumulation of statutes, precedents, and conventions.

Modern written constitutions often emerged from revolutions or independence movements seeking to limit arbitrary power. They typically establish separation of powers, procedures for lawmaking, and mechanisms for amendment. Courts may be empowered to review legislation against constitutional standards.

Constitutions both reflect and shape political culture. They can be durable frameworks or frequently rewritten instruments. Studying their drafting, interpretation, and occasional suspension reveals the tension between legal design and political practice in any historical setting.

• Fundamental rules governing a state
• Defines powers and citizens’ rights
• May be codified or uncodified
• Shapes and is shaped by political practice