What is the constitution?
The Constitution is the state’s most important law, which defines the state’s administrative system, the basic rights and freedoms of citizens, and the relations between the various institutions of the state. It serves as the basis of the legal system and guides the enactment and application of all other laws. A constitution is usually more difficult to change than ordinary laws, which emphasizes its importance and stability.
Key parts of the Constitution
The Constitution consists of several central parts that define the state’s activities and citizens’ rights. These parts include:
- State administration system: The constitution defines how the state administration is organized. This includes, for example, the roles and tasks of the head of state, the government, the parliament and the judiciary.
- Citizens’ basic rights and freedoms: The Constitution protects citizens’ basic rights, such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly and the right to privacy.
- Relationships between state institutions: The Constitution defines how the various state institutions work together and how their power relations are organized. This includes, for example, the doctrine of the threefold division of power, where legislative, executive and judicial powers are separated.
Meaning of the Constitution
The constitution is a central part of the rule of law, and its purpose is to ensure that the state’s activities are based on justice and legality. It protects citizens from arbitrary use of power and guarantees that their fundamental rights and freedoms are protected. The constitution also creates stability and predictability in society, which is important for both citizens and the economy.
Amending the Constitution
Amending the constitution is usually a more complicated process than amending ordinary laws. This is because the constitution is the foundation of the state’s legal system, and changing it can have a significant impact on the functioning of the state and the rights of citizens. In Finland, amending the constitution usually requires the approval of two successive parliaments, and the change must be supported by at least two-thirds of the parliament’s votes.
Examples of constitutions
Many countries have their own constitutions that reflect their historical, cultural and political particularities. For example:
- The Constitution of Finland: The Constitution of Finland came into force in 2000, and it combined the previous constitutions into one entity. The Finnish constitution defines, among other things, the power relations of the parliament, the president and the government, as well as the basic rights of citizens.
- United States Constitution: The United States Constitution is one of the oldest and most famous constitutions in the world. It entered into force in 1789 and includes, among other things, the Bill of Rights additions, which secure the basic rights of citizens.
- The German Constitution: The German Constitution, or Grundgesetz, came into force in 1949. It defines the structure of the German federal state and the basic rights of citizens.
The Constitution is therefore the basis of the state’s legal system, which defines the state’s administrative system, the basic rights and freedoms of citizens, and the relations between state institutions. It is a key part of the rule of law and ensures that the state’s activities are based on justice and legality.
Sources:
Constitution of Finland
United States Constitution
German Constitution
