Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Business Law Practice Exam

What is the name of the formal document that outlines the principles governing a country's government?

1. Statute

2. Charter

3. Constitution

4. Regulation

The correct answer is: Constitution

The formal document that outlines the principles governing a country's government is known as a constitution. A constitution serves as the fundamental legal framework for a state's organization and operation, establishing the structure of government, delineating powers among different branches, and protecting citizens' rights. It sets forth the basic rules and principles by which a country is governed, and it often outlines the responsibilities and limits of governmental authority. In contrast, a statute refers to a written law passed by a legislative body, while a charter typically grants rights or privileges to a group or organization and defines its operational framework but does not encompass the overarching governance of the entire country. Regulations are rules made by executive authorities based on statutes to provide detailed instructions on how the statutes should be applied. Hence, the constitution plays a unique role by being the supreme legal document that governs the entire nation.