B2nounformalpoliticslaw
US/ˌkɑːn.stɪˈtuː.ʃən/
UK/ˌkɒn.stɪˈtjuː.ʃən/
the set of basic laws and principles that says how a country is governed and what rights people have
In context
The constitution guarantees every citizen the right to vote from the age of eighteen.
Changing the constitution usually needs the support of two-thirds of parliament.
Critics say the new rule goes against the spirit of the constitution.
Words that go with constitution
verb + noun
- amend the constitutionThe president wants to amend the constitution so he can serve a third term.
- draft a constitutionA group of lawyers was chosen to draft a constitution for the new state.
noun + preposition
- under the constitutionUnder the constitution, judges must be independent of the government.
adjective + noun
- new constitutionA new constitution was adopted after the end of the war.
- written constitutionUnlike most countries, the UK does not have a single written constitution.