A constitution is a system for governance that establishes the rules and principles of an organisation, or more loosely, a group of people. In the case of nations, it defines the fundamental political principles, and establishes the structure, procedures, powers and duties, of a government. Most national constitutions also guarantee certain rights to the people. Generally, all constitutions give specific powers to an organization on the condition that it abides by this constitution or charter limitation. This question was asked on the wiki: WikiConstitiution.