constitution

A system of fundamental laws or principles for the government of a nation, state, society, corporation, or other aggregation of individuals. 16 Am J2d Const L § 1. Although a constitution, in the broad sense of the term, may be written or unwritten, in the United States, the word as applied to the organization of the federal and state governments, always implies a writing. 16 Am J2d Const L § 1. "A written constitution is not only the direct and basic expression of the sovereign will, but is the absolute rule of action and decision for all departments and offices of government in respect to all matters covered by it, and must control as it is written until it shall be changed by the authority that established it." Wright v Hart, 182 NY 330, 75 NE 404. A constitution differs from a statute in that a statute must provide at least to a certain degree, the details of the subject of which it treats, whereas a constitution usually states general principles and builds the substantial foundation and general framework of the law and government. 16 Am J2d Const L § 3 See state constitution; United States Constitution.