Constitution
The supreme law of the United States, establishing the structure of government, defining governmental powers, and protecting individual rights.
Encyclopedia entry: Constitution
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constitution
A constitution is the most fundamental law of a sovereign body. The term is capitalized only when referring to a specific constitution (e.g., U.S. Constitution , Texas Constitution , etc.).
In many cases, "constitution" refers to a single written document that explicitly creates government institutions, defines the scope of government power, and guarantees certain civil liberties . Nonetheless, a constitution does not inherently need to be written. In the case of an unwritten constitution, the term may refer to the general structure of a certain government regardless of how it arose or evolved. For example, the United Kingdom does not have a written constitution.
[Last reviewed in May of 2026 by the Wex Definitions Team
]
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Encyclopedia content from Cornell LII Wex (CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5).
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This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.