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A constitution is a system, often codified in a written document, which establishes the rules and principles by which an organization is governed. In the case of countries this term refers specifically to a national constitution, which defines the fundamental political principles and establishes the power and duties of each government. Most national constitutions also guarantee certain rights to the people. Historically, before the evolution of modern codified national constitutions, the term constitution could be applied to any important law.
Constitutions are found in many organizations. They are found extensively in government, at supranational (e.g. United Nations Charter), national (e.g. Constitution of Poland), and sub-national or provincial (e.g. Constitution of Maryland) levels. They are found in many political groups, such as political parties and pressure groups, including trade unions (labour unions). There are many non-political groups and entities that may have constitutions of a sort such as companies and voluntary organisations.
Etymology
The term constitution comes from *, referring to issuing any important law, usually by the Roman emperor. Later, the term was widely used in canon law to indicate certain relevant decisions, mainly from the pope. More on [ Constitution ]
Constitution :: American Government
Historical Documents :: United States
Constitutional Law and Civil Rights :: Legal Information
Investigating Impropriety From The Bush Years
Sun, 07 Sep 2008 08:00:00 -0400
NPR Senior News Analyst Daniel Schorr comments about the legacy of investigations of impropriety from the Bush administration.
Bill Failed To Boost Confidence In Fannie, Freddie
Sat, 06 Sep 2008 16:00:00 -0400
Jeffrey Birnbaum, a managing editor at The Washington Times talks about how Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac got to this point.
Lessons From The Convention
Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:00:00 -0400
Analyst Juan Williams assesses the state of the presidential campaign two months ahead of election day. From the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, he tells us what he took away from each convention.
The Supreme Court - Suite101.com - How the U.S. Supremes shape our lives through the Bill of Rights: a living document.
Meta Description: [ How the U.S. Supremes shape our lives through the Bill of Rights: a living document. - dewey decimal 342.73 ]
Bill of Rights in the United States of America - The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, adopted as a single unit on Dec. 15, 1791.
Meta Description: [ The Bill of Rights in the United States is composed of the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution. These were adopted as a single unit on Dec. 15, 1791, and constitute a collection of mutually reinforcing guarantees of individual rights and of limitations on federal and state governments. ]
ConstitutionFacts.com - The entire text of the Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence, with details about other facets of American government.
Meta Description: [ The US Constitution, Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, Articles Of Confederation. Fascinating facts about the Constitution, the Founding Fathers, and the Supreme Court. ]
U.S. Constitution - The text of the Constitution and Amendments and a comment/question area/FAQ.
Meta Description: [ USConstitution.net offers the text of the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, a FAQ, glossary, comment/question area, and links to other resources ]
U.S. Constitution - At Cornell University. Loads very quickly.
U.S. Constitution - Searchable text at Emory University, including the texts of amendments never ratified, and other U.S. founding documents.
U.S. Constitution - At the National Archives and Records Administration
U.S. Constitution Search - Search the Constitution.
U.S. Constitution: Text / Accessibility Version - A highly accessible version of the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the rest of the Amendments. Takes advantage of modern browsers but can be used text only.
Meta Description: [ U.S. CONSTITUTION - a highly accessible, easy to use online version full text including the Bill of Rights and the rest of the Amendments ]
US Constitution Resource Centre - An annotated constitution text with thousands of web links and book references arranged by constitution line. Free off-line study guide.
Meta Description: [ TCNbP US Constitution Resource Center. Comprehensive constitution link and book resource. Free off-line US constitution study guide. ]
We the People: An American Constitution - To celebrate the Constitution, a group of online columnists take quick and witty looks at America's founding document as seen by historians, liberals, conservatives, and gardeners. Explore other views, resources, and arguments on the Constitution through the links and discussion threads.
Meta Description: [ An interactive online magazine home to expert and reader commentary on 400 subjects for over 10 years. ]
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