Authors: Hermet, Badie, Birnbaum & Braud
Summary: This brief entry of 130 words first gives a definition of the term.
As charter of public powers, superior in rank to law, the constitution determines roles and functions of state institutions as well as their juridical relationships. It is usually drafted in a written text starting with a preliminary statement of political principles and a declaration of fundamental rights. The British model is an exception to the extent that, in this case, oral tradition and common law perform the same functions of the constitution.