What is the primary purpose of a constitution?

The primary purpose of a constitution is to serve as a written plan of government. This foundational document outlines the structure, powers, and limitations of government entities, as well as the rights of individuals within the jurisdiction it governs. By establishing the framework for governance, a constitution provides the rules and principles that guide how laws are created, enforced, and interpreted, ensuring a system of checks and balances among the branches of government.

While other options like a detailed list of laws, a compilation of precedents, or administrative rules and regulations each have their own importance within the legal framework, they do not encompass the broader and more fundamental role of a constitution. A constitution is not merely about specific laws or regulations; it lays the groundwork for the entire legal and political system, guiding the relationship between the state and the individual.