a formal constitution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formal constitution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an official document that outlines the fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is governed. Example: "The country adopted a formal constitution to ensure the protection of citizens' rights and the rule of law."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

For Britain is not a republic but a constitutional monarchy whose democracy has evolved without a formal constitution.

The New York Times

Much recent attention has been paid to the European Union's drafting of a formal constitution.

Columbia University

Without a formal constitution, with our antiquated voting arrangements and a corrupt and corrupting party funding system, nothing here is safe.

The Guardian - Opinion

WHEN the idea of writing a formal constitution for the European Union was first mooted, its advocates said that the EU should be easier for its citizens to understand.

The Economist

People are already talking of further devolution to Wales and Northern Ireland, discussing the West Lothian question, demanding devolved powers for cities and regions, a more federal model, a formal constitution, even.

The Guardian - Opinion

Legal scholars have scrutinized the proposed provisions and political pundits have postulated as to ability of a formal constitution to modify and/or expand the collective conception of Europe.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

I wrote to Professor Vernon Bogdanor, the closest thing we have to a formal constitutional expert in this country where no formal constitution exists.

The Guardian

Nevertheless, a new, formal constitution was promulgated in 2006, and Kabila was victorious in presidential elections held later that year.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A new, formal constitution, approved by referendum in 2005 and promulgated in 2006, significantly devolved power to provincial administrations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What historical sociologists had understood as a profound change in the nature of a society has been rendered more a matter of formal constitution building.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And some outcomes would find a place in the formal Constitution of the nation states as they organized themselves.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a formal constitution" when you want to emphasize the existence of a clearly defined and written document outlining the fundamental principles of governance.

Common error

Avoid using "a formal constitution" when referring to countries or organizations that operate under unwritten conventions or traditions, even if these effectively function as a constitution. In such cases, it's more appropriate to speak of "constitutional conventions" or "unwritten constitutions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formal constitution" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies and describes a specific type of governing document. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase's grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

22%

Encyclopedias

22%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a formal constitution" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote a codified and written set of principles governing a state or organization. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness. It's commonly found in news, academic, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating its relevance in discussing political and legal frameworks. When using this phrase, ensure you're referring to a written document, differentiating it from unwritten or conventional constitutional arrangements. Remember to consider alternative formulations, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a codified constitution

Emphasizes the written and systematic nature of the constitution.

a written constitution

Highlights that the constitution is documented.

an established constitution

Focuses on the constitution being officially recognized and in effect.

a legal constitution

Highlights the legally binding nature of the constitution.

an official constitution

Stresses the authorized and recognized nature of the constitution.

a structured constitutional framework

Focuses on the organized system established by the constitution.

a constitutional charter

Uses 'charter' as a synonym for constitution, implying a formal document.

a state's basic law

Refers to the fundamental legal principles that govern a state.

a fundamental constitution

Highlights the foundational role of the constitution.

an enacted constitution

Focuses on the act of putting the constitution into law.

FAQs

What does it mean for a country to have "a formal constitution"?

Having "a formal constitution" means that the country's fundamental principles and laws are written down in a single, authoritative document. This document serves as the basis for all other laws and governs the relationship between the state and its citizens.

What's the difference between "a formal constitution" and an unwritten constitution?

While "a formal constitution" is codified in a single document, an unwritten constitution is based on a combination of statutes, court decisions, conventions, and traditions. The UK, for instance, operates under an unwritten constitution.

What are some synonyms for "a formal constitution"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "codified constitution", "written constitution", or "official constitution".

How is "a formal constitution" created?

The process varies by country, but typically involves a constitutional convention, a drafting committee, or a parliamentary body that proposes a draft. This draft is then often submitted to a popular referendum for approval.