A constitution of a country sets out:

• The social values that the country believes in
• The structures of government
• What powers and authority a government and government bodies have
• The rights of citizens
• The relationship between government and citizens
• Aspects of the relationships between citizens

A constitution is the highest law in the land and must be respected by all government bodies. It is higher than parliament and it can override any law that parliament makes if the law goes against the constitution. No law can go against the Constitution, whether it is a Customary law or a law that parliament makes.

The South African Constitution of 1996 is a document that consists of 14 chapters. It says how the government should rule the country and it includes a Bill of Rights.