The spelling of the word "written constitution" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈrɪt(ə)n ˌkɒnstɪˈtjuːʃən/. The first syllable is pronounced as "rit" with a short "i" sound, followed by the stress on the second syllable "ten". The "ti" combination is pronounced as "sh" sound, while the "u" in "tu" is pronounced as "yoo". The final syllable "shun" is pronounced as "shən". "Written constitution" refers to a constitution that is codified in a single document, as opposed to an unwritten constitution.
A written constitution refers to a formal and codified document that contains a set of fundamental principles, rules, and laws that govern a country or organization. It serves as the supreme law of the land, establishing the framework and structure of the government, delineating the rights and duties of its citizens, and outlining the relationship between the state and its institutions.
In a written constitution, the provisions are explicitly stated and documented, often in a single document or a series of legal texts. These provisions can cover a wide range of areas, including the organization and powers of the government branches, the distribution of powers between different levels of government, the protection of individual rights and freedoms, and the amendment and interpretation processes for the constitution itself.
What distinguishes a written constitution from an unwritten one is the formality and permanence of the document. Written constitutions are typically created through a deliberate process of drafting, ratification, and adoption by a constituent body or assembly. They are often considered the product of a specific historical moment and hold a higher degree of legal authority compared to customary or unwritten constitutions.
Written constitutions provide clarity, stability, and a strong legal basis for a country's governance. They ensure that powers are defined, that rights are protected, and that the functioning of the government and its institutions is carried out within the limits prescribed by the constitution. The detailed nature of a written constitution allows for precise interpretation and provides a means for citizens and authorities to refer to when disputes arise or when changes need to be made to the constitutional framework.
The word "written" comes from the Old English "writan" meaning "to incise, engrave, or draw". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "writanan" and ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European root "wreid-", meaning "to cut, tear, or separate".
The word "constitution" comes from the Latin word "constitutio", which is derived from the verb "constituere", meaning "to establish or set up". This Latin word is a combination of "con-" (intensive) and "statuere" (to set or place).
The term "written constitution" specifically refers to a constitution that is codified into a single document, often along with other laws governing a country or organization.