Civic · 6 pages · 12 min

How a constitution differs from a statute

A constitution sets the ground rules, while a statute is ordinary law made under those rules.

I understand the following: I can download a file of this brief, and I can also read it in the library on this browser. Clearing the cache or cookies deletes the library copy. The file must be downloaded for access to be retained.

When the purchase is complete, return to the original window. It will refresh.

From the opening

A constitution establishes the offices of government, the limits on those offices, and the rights those offices must respect. A statute is an ordinary law passed by the legislature, inside the authority and the procedure the constitution allows. The opening covers constitutions frame the offices, statutes are ordinary legislation, and higher text wins a conflict.

The rest of the brief — the later sections and the reading notes — opens after Stripe confirms payment.

Inside

Constitutions frame the offices
Statutes are ordinary legislation
Higher text wins a conflict
Ordinary majorities rewrite statutes
Where the idea stops applying
A distinction worth keeping

Sources

Constitutional supremacy
Statute under a constitution

01How a city prices waterCivic30 min$18 09How a power grid stays balancedCivic28 min$18 0780How a census counts and also missesCivic12 min$20

How a constitution differs from a statute

From the opening

Inside

Sources

Also on the desk