What Is the Constitution
The Constitution is the fundamental law of the state that defines the structure of power, citizens' rights, and the basic rules of society. It is not a political program or ideological manifesto but the legal foundation upon which all other laws are built. The Constitution establishes the "rules of the game" for everyone – from the president to ordinary citizens.
Why We Need a Constitution
The Constitution serves three key functions:
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Limits state power. The Constitution prevents the government from acting arbitrarily – it establishes clear boundaries for every body's authority and mechanisms of checks and balances.
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Guarantees citizens' rights. Fundamental rights – to life, freedom of speech, property, fair trial – are enshrined in the Constitution and protected from changes by ordinary laws.
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Establishes rules of interaction between institutions. Who is elected and how, how laws are adopted, who is responsible for what – all of this is written in the Constitution.
How the Constitution Differs from Ordinary Laws
The Constitution has supreme legal force:
- Any law contradicting the Constitution is invalid.
- The Constitution can only be changed through a referendum – direct voting by citizens.
- The Constitution is reviewed by a separate body – the Constitutional Court.
Ordinary laws elaborate on constitutional norms but cannot override or contradict them.
The Constitution Is a Living Document
The Constitution is not written once and forever. It evolves with society. The economy changes, new technologies emerge (internet, digital rights), new challenges arise (cybersecurity, data protection) – and the Constitution must respond to these changes.
At the same time, fundamental principles remain stable:
- Popular sovereignty
- Separation of powers
- Human rights guarantees
- Territorial integrity
Updating the Constitution is not "rewriting from scratch" but adjusting institutions to new conditions while preserving fundamental values.
Key facts
- Constitution = rules of the game for all members of society
- Supreme legal force – no law can contradict it
- Changed only through referendum – citizens decide
- Protects rights and limits power simultaneously
Public positions and documents
An editorial selection showing how the topic developed and where it stands now.
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«Глава государства отметил, что новая Конституция – это ориентир для народа, незыблемая основа справедливого общества и надежная гарантия устойчивого развития страны.»
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«Стратегическая цель конституционной реформы – укрепление государственности и независимости, повышение благосостояния граждан.»
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«Он отметил, что еще одной ключевой особенностью нового текста Конституции является ориентация на права человека. Так, права и свободы человека закреплены не только в новой Преамбуле, но и утверждены в качестве особого приоритета и смыслового стержня всей Конституции.»
Basis for this explainer
Constitutional provisions and primary sources supporting this explanation.
Constitutional provisions
Primary sources
Open sources the editorial team used to verify this explainer. Checked 16 July 2026.
Related articles
Quick links to the constitutional articles behind this explainer.