What is a constitution?

A constitution is fundamentally a set of fundamental principles or established precedents that serve as the foundation for a political system or government. It outlines the structure of government, the distribution of powers among different branches, the rights of citizens, and the processes for making and enforcing laws. This definition underscores the constitution's role as a guiding framework that delineates how a government operates and the rights and responsibilities of both the government and the governed.

A constitution goes beyond just being a legal document; it embodies the core values and aspirations of a society. It creates the legal authority for various governmental functions and often reflects a social contract between the citizens and the government. This makes choice B the most accurate representation of what a constitution is.

While a legal document that states government laws might sound relevant, it misses the broader scope of principles and precedents that also shape a constitution. A declaration of war is not related to the definition of a constitution, and while a list of amendments might be a component of a constitution, it does not capture the essence of what a constitution is in its entirety. Therefore, understanding the definition as a set of fundamental principles encompasses the essential characteristics and purposes of a constitution in a governmental system.