Written and unwritten constitution - SS1 Government Lesson Note

A constitution is a set of rules and principles that govern a country or organization. A written constitution is a formal document that clearly sets out the rules and principles of the country, such as the United States Constitution.

An unwritten constitution, on the other hand, does not exist in a single formal document but is instead based on a combination of laws, customs, traditions, and conventions. It evolves over time and is not codified in one place. Examples of countries with an unwritten constitution include the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

The main difference between the two types of constitutions is that a written constitution is codified and easily accessible, while an unwritten constitution is not formalized and can be difficult to interpret. Additionally, because a written constitution is more rigid, it can be harder to change, whereas an unwritten constitution can adapt to changing circumstances more easily.