Purposes, Sources, and Features of a Constitution

Vocabulary flashcards covering the core purposes, diverse sources, and defining features of a constitution based on the lecture notes.

Empowering the State

A key purpose of a constitution that grants authority and legitimate power to state institutions.

Establishment of Values and Goals

A purpose of a constitution centered on articulating the foundational ideals, moral values, and collective aspirations of a nation.

Providing Government Stability

A purpose of a constitution that maintains political order, institutional continuity, and systematic governance.

Legitimizing Regime

A purpose of a constitution that confers legal recognition and authority upon a governing administration or ruling system.

The Constitution Itself

A primary source of constitutional law consisting of the written constitutional document and its existing text.

Judge Pronouncements

A source of constitutional law deriving from judicial rulings, decisions, and precedents delivered by judges.

Military Decree

An authoritarian edict or command issued by military leadership that acts as a source of constitutional authority.

National Conference / Convention

A formal gathering or assembly convened to draft, debate, or adopt constitutional agreements and foundations.

Customs and Traditions

Long-standing societal norms, conventions, and unwritten cultural practices that function as a source of constitutional principles.

Preamble

An introductory feature of a constitution setting forth its guiding ideals, foundational principles, and underlying intent.

Fundamental Rights

A central feature of a constitution that guarantees basic protections, civil liberties, and legal rights to people.

Separation of Powers

A constitutional feature dividing governmental authority among distinct branches to ensure checks and balances.

Rule of Law

A foundational feature of a constitution ensuring that everyone, including government authorities, is subject to the law.

Citizenship

A constitutional feature defining the legal identity, rights, duties, and membership status of individuals within a nation.