What is a constitution?

It is the basis of all laws in a country through which the

purposes and actions of the state are governed and the rights
of the states citizens established.
A constitution sets a framework within which a countrys
system of government is conducted. It establishes rules which
those who exercise the functions of government have to obey.

All future actions performed by the executive and legislature,

for example, must be in conformity with the countrys
constitutional provisions.

1. Codified constitutions (the vast majority of constitutions)

The provisions of codified constitutions have a superior status
to ordinary legislation and provide a key point of reference
whereby the activities performed by the executive and
legislative branches of government and subordinate authorities
such as state or local government can be judged.
2. Uncodified constitution (in the UK)

Supplements to the Constitution

Details of implementation of the constitution is left to legislation
makers who make statutes.
These statutes constitute a further source of information
concerning the manner in which government functions

Other sources include declarations made by judges whose

work may involve interpreting the constitution.

Bangladeshi constitution: The preamble

We, the people of Bangladesh, having proclaimed our
Independence on the 26th day of March, 1971 and through a
historic struggle for national liberation, established the
independent, sovereign People's Republic of Bangladesh;
Pledging that the high ideals of nationalism, democracy,
socialism and secularity, which inspired our heroic people to
dedicate themselves to, and our brave martyrs to sacrifice their
lives in the struggle for national liberation, shall be fundamental
principles of the Constitution;

Further pledging that it shall be a fundamental aim of the State

to realize through the democratic process, a socialist society
free from exploitation, a society in which the rule of law,
fundamental human rights and freedoms, equality and justice,
political, economic and social, will be secured for all citizens;

Affirming that it is our sacred duty to safeguard, protect and

defend this Constitution and to maintain its supremacy as the
embodiment of the will of the people of Bangladesh so that we
may prosper in freedom and may make our full contribution
towards international peace and co-operation in keeping
with the progressive aspirations of mankind
In our Constituent Assembly, this eighteenth day of Kartick,
1379 B.S corresponding to the fourth day of November, 1972
A.D., do hereby adopt, enact and give to ourselves this
Constitution.

Role of Constitution
The Key branches of Government

Right of citizens, such as the right of an accused person to a

speedy and public trial
The right to Habeas Corpus and the right to criticize government
policy
The right to join a political party or a trade union is enshrined
in the
Constitution (Esp. Italy)

Recent addition to Constitution (Good

governance)
Social rights such as the right to a job, the right to be housed,
the right to enjoy a minimum standard of living or the right for a
woman to have an abortion.
The relation and jurisdiction of the central government versus
local governments
Civil rights (such as the Bill of Rights)