Because it’s in charge.

End of column.

Not really of course, because I’ve always got more to say. The constitution of any organization, country, or body is what rules. It’s the final say so (ok so who ever is in charge of saying what it says has the final say so) in all things. It’s also likely to be boring. Why? Because it’s full of language that sometimes is designed to confusing. It’s also designed to last a long time, so the wording needs to be something that those who don’t like you or your ideas can’t use against you in the future. Constitutions can usually be changed, how ranges from easy (approval of majority of members at a meeting or convention) to difficult (super majority or super quorum) to a challenge (like the US Constitution) to nearly impossible (unanimous consent only).

Whether your organization has a constitution, a charter, articles of incorporation or something else you should know what it says. And your country will most likely also have something that’s letting you know what’s going on. They usually aren’t all that long. So take it to bed and read one article each night. You’ll get through it in no time.

Much of a document like a constitution is designed simply to set up the how the body functions. What is really interesting is usually right at the start, the preamble, the first article, the purpose, the aim. It explains why you are there and what is supposed to happen. So if you only read one part make sure you read the start. It’ll tell you if you want to continue to be a part that organization, if you want to continue to be a citizen of that country.

We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

By being a citizen you agree to live under this constitution. If you want it to be different then you have the chance to work to change it. It’s the same with any orginization, if you don’t like the way it’s going do something to change it. Take action. If you like it the way it is, embrace that and revel in it.

Last 5 posts by Sara Reller

• Death by war? - May 2nd, 2006
• Big Veiny Ultra-realistic Problems - March 27th, 2006
• Caucuses - March 7th, 2006
• Participation: Do, do not not do, but do. - February 28th, 2006
• Bloggurnalist? - February 20th, 2006