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Law & Civics

What is A constitution?

A constitution is the supreme set of rules that defines how a country is governed — the structure of government, the powers of each part, and the rights of citizens. All other laws must agree with it.

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Watch a 2-minute lesson with voice + animation that explains a constitution.
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Key things to understand

  • 1It's the highest law; other laws can't contradict it.
  • 2It sets up the branches of government and limits their power.
  • 3It guarantees fundamental rights to citizens.
  • 4It can usually be amended, but only through a special, harder process.

Frequently asked questions

What does a constitution do?
It defines the framework of government, distributes power, and protects citizens' rights as the supreme law.
Why is a constitution important?
It limits government power, protects rights, and provides stable rules everyone must follow.
Can a constitution be changed?
Yes, through amendments — usually requiring a higher threshold than ordinary laws.

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