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How to Write a Constitution for School or Personal Project
A constitution is a guiding document that sets the rules for how a group or organization operates—whether it’s a student club, a university society, or even something as imaginative as a personal project or micronation. For most people, the need to draft a constitution arises when forming a small organization. If you’re writing one for a student group, many universities provide sample constitutions that you can use as a model for your own.
Part1 Writing the Preamble, Name, and Purpose
- Write the preamble.
Start your constitution with a preamble—a short introduction that explains why the organization is being formed and what it aims to accomplish. The preamble should only be a few sentences but must clearly state the purpose and guiding principles behind your group.
Subheading: Drafting the Preamble
🔗 How to Write a Preamble – Purdue OWL
- Write the name of the group.
Next, create Article 1: Name. This article identifies your group by its official name. For example, Section 1 may state: “The name of this [group type] shall be (full name), hereafter referred to as (shortened name or acronym).” If you use an acronym, specify that it will be used in publicity and correspondence. Section 2 may describe leadership, e.g., “The officers of (acronym) shall make up the Executive Board, hereafter referred to as the ‘Board.’”
Subheading: Defining the Group’s Name
🔗 Sample Student Organization Constitutions – Cornell University
- Write the purpose of the organization and the executive board.
Now add Article 2: Purpose. Section 1 should state the purpose of the organization in a few clear sentences, such as: “The purpose of this organization shall be to [state purpose].” Section 2 should explain the executive board’s purpose, for example: “The Board shall [state its role, such as overseeing operations or ensuring goals are met].”
Subheading: Stating the Purpose
🔗 How to Draft a Constitution – American University
Part2 Writing the Rules on Membership, Meetings, and Officers
1. Provide clear rules on membership.
Article 3 of your constitution should define who can become a member, their rights and responsibilities, and the process for removing members. For example, Section 1 may require that at least two-thirds of members come from a specific group (e.g., students in a department). Section 2 should outline rights and responsibilities, while Section 3 should detail how and when membership can be revoked. To ensure inclusivity, consider adding a nondiscrimination clause such as: “Membership shall be open to all students, faculty, and staff regardless of age, race, gender, disability, or background.” See more guidance on student organization constitutions.
2. Establish rules on meetings and decision-making procedures.
Article 4 should describe how and when meetings will be held, who has the authority to call them, and how decisions will be made. For instance, Section 1 may specify meeting frequency, while Section 2 explains how policies are approved through voting. A common clause is: “A majority of the Board constitutes a quorum. Each officer has one vote, and the majority vote carries decisions.” For reference, see Robert’s Rules of Order for widely accepted parliamentary procedures.
3. Provide the rules on holding office.
Article 5 should describe the officer structure, nomination and election process, and eligibility criteria. Section 1 may list positions (e.g., President, Vice President, Treasurer) and how they are elected. Section 2 should outline their duties, while Section 3 explains term lengths and any limits. Example: “Officers serve one academic year, with a maximum of two consecutive terms.” More details can be found in Cornell University’s sample student organization constitution.
Part3 Writing the Rules on Elections, Committees, and By-Laws
1. Write the rules on elections, appointments, and removal of officers.
Article 6 of your constitution should define how elections will be conducted, how officers are appointed, and the procedures for their removal. Section 1 might state that elections occur at least once per year, with general voting rules (e.g., plurality vote, minimum percentage required for election). Section 2 can explain appointment procedures, while Section 3 should outline impeachment and removal processes. Section 4 should address procedures for filling mid-term vacancies, ensuring organizational stability. For reference, see Sample Student Organization Constitution, Cornell University.
2. Write the rules on committees.
Article 7 should identify standing committees, their duties, and how members are selected or removed. Section 1 may list permanent (standing) committees, while Section 2 defines their responsibilities. Section 3 should provide rules on membership selection and removal, and Section 4 should explain how new committees can be formed or dissolved. This structure helps ensure both stability and flexibility in governance. See more about committee structures in Robert’s Rules of Order Online.
3. Provide for the creation of bylaws.
Article 8 should explain how bylaws will be created, amended, and who has the authority to do so. Section 1 can describe the procedures for group bylaws, while Section 2 can cover board bylaws. Bylaws provide detailed operational rules—such as membership policies, officer duties, dues, meeting procedures—that complement the constitution. It is important to ensure bylaws never contradict the constitution. For more details, check University of California, Irvine – Sample Bylaws.
Part4 Writing the Rules on Amendments, Ratification, and Intrepretation
1. Write how the constitution can be amended.
Article 9 of your constitution should establish the rules for making amendments. It must explain who has the authority to propose amendments (such as the executive board, student council, or through petitions) and what threshold of votes is necessary for adoption. A common standard is requiring two-thirds of the voting membership. For example: “Amendments to the Constitution may be proposed by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Student Council or by a petition signed by fifty (50) currently enrolled students.” For best practices, see Cornell University – Sample Constitution.
2. Write how the proposed constitution shall be ratified.
Article 10 should outline the ratification process for the constitution. This article typically specifies the percentage of members who must approve the document before it becomes binding. A common recommendation is requiring a three-fourths (3/4) majority of members to ensure broad support and legitimacy. For example: “This constitution shall be ratified by a vote of three-fourths (3/4) of the active membership.” You can find guidance in University of California, Irvine – Sample Bylaws and Constitution.
3. Write how questions concerning the interpretation of the constitution shall be decided.
Article 11 should assign responsibility for interpreting the constitution. This ensures clarity in the event of disputes or ambiguities. A simple model clause could read: “Questions concerning the interpretation of this document shall be decided by the Executive Board.” Such a clause prevents confusion and centralizes authority for governance. For further reference, see Robert’s Rules of Order – FAQ.