Simple English definitions for legal terms
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A constitution is a set of rules that a country or state follows to govern itself. It establishes the government's institutions and powers, protects individual rights and freedoms, and defines how the government should work. A flexible constitution can be changed easily through regular laws, while a rigid constitution requires special procedures to make changes. Some countries, like Britain, have an unwritten constitution that is based on customs and traditions. Organizations also have constitutions to govern their internal and external affairs.
A flexible constitution is a type of constitution that can be easily amended or changed through ordinary legislative processes. This means that the government can alter constitutional principles and define new baselines for government action without needing special amending procedures.
One example of a flexible constitution is the British Constitution. In the UK, Parliament can change the constitution through ordinary legislative processes. This is different from a rigid constitution, like the US Constitution, which can only be changed through special amending procedures.
Another example of a flexible constitution is the Canadian Constitution. While it grants its legislature some limited ability to amend the Constitution by legislation, it is still considered a flexible constitution because it does not require special amending procedures.
Overall, a flexible constitution allows for more fluid and adaptable governance, as the government can respond to changing circumstances and needs more easily. However, it also means that constitutional principles may be subject to more frequent changes and may not provide as much stability as a rigid constitution.