Constitutional Meaning
Constitutional Definition & Usage
Pertaining to or established by a constitution, typically a legal document that outlines the structure and laws of a country or organization.
Examples
- "The constitutional rights of the citizens were protected under the new law."
- "The president is expected to act in a manner that is constitutional and respects the law."
- "The country went through a constitutional crisis after the government's actions were deemed unconstitutional."
- "The court ruled that the law violated constitutional principles regarding freedom of speech."
- "They held a public forum to discuss the constitutional amendments proposed in the upcoming election."
Conforming to the principles or laws established by a constitution, especially regarding rights and governance.
Examples
- "The committee made sure the proposed changes were constitutional before submitting them to the parliament."
- "His actions were constitutional, as they aligned with the established laws."
- "The new policy was deemed constitutional by the top court."
- "The government's decision was upheld as constitutional after a lengthy review process."
- "A constitutional amendment is necessary to address the growing challenges in the justice system."
Pertaining to the physical health, strength, or condition of a person, often used in the context of describing someone's natural or innate physical state.
Examples
- "His constitutional ability to endure harsh conditions made him an ideal candidate for the expedition."
- "She took regular walks to improve her constitutional health."
- "He has a strong constitutional resistance to illness, rarely ever catching a cold."
- "The doctor recommended a constitutional remedy to improve his overall health."
- "After months of rest, she regained her constitutional strength and vitality."
Cultural Context
The term 'constitutional' is most often used in political and legal contexts to refer to anything related to a constitution, which is the foundational legal document of a country. In some countries, constitutional issues are at the forefront of political debate, especially when laws are perceived to challenge or violate these foundational principles. The term also has historical importance, with major constitutional changes often signifying significant shifts in political power or governance structures. The word can also be used in relation to personal health or physical constitution, although this usage is more antiquated.
The Constitutional Dilemma
Story
The Constitutional Dilemma
In the small but vibrant town of Barrington, the citizens had always prided themselves on their deep respect for the nation's laws. The town had witnessed a heated debate when the mayor, Thomas Gray, introduced a new initiative that would give local law enforcement broader powers to search private property without warrants. While some citizens saw the measure as necessary for public safety, others, including a local lawyer named Emily, argued that it was fundamentally unconstitutional. Emily had spent years studying constitutional law, and she was adamant that such a policy violated the very rights guaranteed by the nation's constitution. One evening, Emily attended a town hall meeting where the mayor was set to discuss the proposal. The room was packed, and the tension was palpable. Mayor Gray began by stating, 'In these troubled times, we must take bold actions to protect our community.' However, Emily stood up and spoke passionately, 'This measure is unconstitutional. The constitution specifically protects our right to privacy, and this proposal would undermine those protections.' The crowd murmured, some in agreement, others unsure of what 'constitutional' really meant in this context. Emily continued, 'We cannot allow fear to drive us to abandon the very principles that make us free.' The mayor responded, 'But what about the constitutional right to life and liberty? Isn't that just as important?' The debate continued late into the night, but Emily's words lingered in the air. The following week, the town council voted against the initiative, declaring it unconstitutional. In a more personal context, Emily had spent the past year recovering from a serious illness. After months of rest, she regained her constitutional strength, as her doctor described it, and began taking long walks to regain her physical health. Her recovery was slow but steady, and she often reflected on how the body, much like a nation, needed careful nurturing to stay strong and resilient. Through this experience, Emily realized that 'constitutional' was a word that shaped not only the governance of a nation but also the way individuals understood their own rights, health, and resilience. Whether in the courts or in personal life, the principles of what is 'constitutional' helped guide actions and decisions for the greater good, offering a sense of order and stability in both society and the individual body.
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