Constituent Assembly

Definition

A special legislative body convened specifically to draft or amend a nation's constitution, theoretically more deliberative than regular legislatures.

Example Usage

The new democracy established a constituent assembly to draft a constitution that reflected the will of the people.

Origin

From 'constituent' meaning fundamental or essential

Fun Fact

Many democracies, from France to Chile, have used constituent assemblies to rewrite their constitutions.

Source: Constitutional law and democratic theory terminology

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