Comparative politics

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Constitution

A document or a set of documents that outlines the powers, institutions, and the structure of government, as well as expressing the rights of citizens and the limits on government.

Main roles of constitutions (in democracies). The fantastic four

• Supreme law of the land - all other laws are subsidary

• Power map - outlining the structure, powers, and responsibility of government

• Supporting the rule of law - imposing order through a system of laws to which sll citizens are equally subject

• Regulating the power of the state - imposing limits on the powers of government

Bill of rights

A list of the rights of the citizens of a state or a political community, contained within a constitution and designed to restrict the abuse of power by the government

Codified constitution

One that is set out in a single, self-contained document

Uncodified constitution

One that is spread out among several documents

Entrenchment

The question of the legal procedures for amending a constitution. There’s usually a higher threshold for amendments to the constitution to that of normal laws

Eternity clause

An element of a constitution that is considered inalienable and that cannot be amended or removed