Review Your Local Constitution
Activity 1
Activity 1
What is a constitution? Learn what a student council constitution is and its purpose in the organization.
A student council constitution is a written document that sets forth the fundamental governing principles under which the council is organized and operates. To many people, the word “constitution” implies formality and intimidating rules and regulations. A constitution is simply a written set of rules for a group. The constitution defines the limits of authority of the organization and gives a sense of both order and purpose for conducting business.
A student council constitution is a written document that sets forth the fundamental governing principles under which the council is organized and operates. To many people, the word “constitution” implies formality and intimidating rules and regulations. A constitution is simply a written set of rules for a group. The constitution defines the limits of authority of the organization and gives a sense of both order and purpose for conducting business.
A student council’s constitution should be stated in simple, easily understood language and should include only essential items. The student council constitution should be developed in cooperation with school staff and the student body. Amendments should be simple and direct. Bylaws are rules adopted by a group for its own meetings or affairs.
A student council’s constitution should be stated in simple, easily understood language and should include only essential items. The student council constitution should be developed in cooperation with school staff and the student body. Amendments should be simple and direct. Bylaws are rules adopted by a group for its own meetings or affairs.
Bylaws cover such areas as the number of members needed to constitute a quorum (enough members to vote on an issue or proposal); procedure for filling an office that has been vacated during the year; procedure of impeachment of delinquent members and officers.
Bylaws cover such areas as the number of members needed to constitute a quorum (enough members to vote on an issue or proposal); procedure for filling an office that has been vacated during the year; procedure of impeachment of delinquent members and officers.
The constitution/bylaws should be designed to help the council accomplish its goals. It must not be so difficult to follow that it hinders the effective functioning of the council. The constitution must be studied regularly and changed to stay vital and meaningful.
The constitution/bylaws should be designed to help the council accomplish its goals. It must not be so difficult to follow that it hinders the effective functioning of the council. The constitution must be studied regularly and changed to stay vital and meaningful.
Review your student council's constitution.
Activity 2
Activity 2
As a group
As a group
- Distribute a copy of the constitution to everyone or display on a monitor or screen.
- Have a member read each section aloud.
- Identify and discuss the section as it pertains to your school.
- Discuss where the constitution is located and how copies can be obtained. If possible post it online.
Activity 3
Activity 3
If your council does not have a constitution available, you may use the resources below to create your own.
Creating a constitution.pdfconstitution worksheet.pdfTASC Guidelines for School Constitutions
TASC Guidelines for School Constitutions
Guidelines for Council Constitutions.pdf