How does a constitution organize the powers of a government?

A constitution organizes the powers of a government by establishing the fundamental rules that define its structure, operation, and the distribution of authority among its institutions. While the specific form varies, a constitution typically articulates which bodies are entrusted with the task of governing and outlines their respective powers.1

In many modern systems, this organization is achieved through the separation of powers, which divides governmental functions into distinct branches—most commonly the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This division is designed to prevent the concentration of power in a single entity, thereby reducing the risk of arbitrary rule.2314

To ensure these branches remain within their defined roles, constitutions often incorporate a system of checks and balances, which empowers each branch to restrain the others. Furthermore, constitutions may delimit governmental power to protect individual rights, establishing these protections as a "higher law" that takes precedence over ordinary legislation.5461