constitutions

Nations' governing frameworks

Constitutions are the fundamental principles and laws that establish a government's structure and powers.

Most nations have a written constitution as their supreme legal document: The U.S. Constitution established three branches of government.

Constitution also means a person's physical or mental makeup: She has a strong constitution, His delicate constitution couldn't handle the stress.

The plural often refers to the founding documents of organizations or the varying health and temperaments of different individuals.

foundation

bedrock

Solid stone underground

cornerstoneFoundational building block
basisUnderlying support or principle
groundworkFoundational preparation for something

underpinning · framework · core · backbone · pillar · fundamental principles · guiding principles · foundational · essential nature · makeup

document

preamble

Preliminary statement before content

amendmentChange to official text
ratificationFormal approval by authority
bill of rightsDocument listing protected liberties

framers · articles · convention · federalism · sovereignty · bicameral · unicameral · confederation · compromise · declaration

legal

amendment

Change to official text

judicial reviewCourts invalidating unconstitutional acts
supreme courtApex of judicial hierarchy
separation of powersConstitutional distribution of authority

checks and balances · civil rights · landmark ruling · equal protection · due process · civil liberties · fundamental rights · originalism · case law · precedent

physique

robustness

Resistance to failure

vitalityCapacity for spirited existence
staminaCapacity for sustained effort
strengthPower to exert force

endurance · hardiness · fitness · vigour · resilience · sturdiness · health · heartiness · soundness · ruggedness

constitutions

bedrock

preamble

amendment

robustness

constitutions

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