Introduction to Political Science (IRE 101) Week 6 Constitution and Rights

What is a Constitution? In simple terms Constitution is the ‘law of the land’. Essentially, the overriding and most important document. Rules that determine how a government operates and how the different bits of government relate to each other. Constitution outlines the structure of a political system and sets limits for the use of power.

The Purpose of a Constitution A Statement of National Ideals The Purpose of a Constitution A Statement of National Ideals. For example, to establish justice, to provide for the common defense, to promote the general welfare. Formalizes the Structure of Government. A constitution is also a plan, a written description of who does what in government, defining the authority and limiting the powers of each branch.

Constitutional protections of rights across various groups: Age Citizenship Race/Ethnicity Religion Language Sexual Orientation Parentage Social Disability Prisoner Status Beliefs or Convictions And Many Others…