constitutional convention: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal
Quick answer
What does “constitutional convention” mean?
A formal meeting or assembly of representatives with the purpose of drafting, revising, or amending a nation's or state's constitution.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A formal meeting or assembly of representatives with the purpose of drafting, revising, or amending a nation's or state's constitution.
A process, event, or established practice of fundamental significance for the operation of a government, especially where the rule or norm is not codified in law but is widely accepted and followed.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The primary meaning (event) is more common in American English, referencing its own historical event. The secondary meaning (unwritten rule) is more prevalent in British English discussions of the uncodified UK constitution.
Connotations
In the UK context, 'convention' emphasises tradition and historical practice. In the US context, it often connotes a foundational, innovative act.
Frequency
Higher frequency in political, historical, and legal discourse in both varieties. The specific phrase is more central to American national identity discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “constitutional convention” in a Sentence
A constitutional convention [was held/convened] to [purpose]The [principle/practice] operates as a constitutional convention.Delegates [gathered/assembled] at the constitutional convention.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “constitutional convention” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The Prime Minister felt it was necessary to constitutionalise the convention.
American English
- The framers sought to constitutionalize the rights enumerated at the convention.
adverb
British English
- The government acted constitutional-conventionally, if not legally.
American English
- The procedure is followed constitutional-conventionally by all branches.
adjective
British English
- The process was of constitutional-convention significance.
- He is a constitutional-convention scholar.
American English
- The convention debates are a constitutional-convention highlight.
- She studies constitutional-convention history.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in discussions of corporate governance structures if metaphorically extended.
Academic
Frequent in political science, law, and history for analysing government formation and unwritten rules.
Everyday
Low. Primarily in discussions of politics, history education, or news about major constitutional reform.
Technical
Precise legal and political term with specific definitions in constitutional theory.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “constitutional convention”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “constitutional convention”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “constitutional convention”
- Confusing 'constitutional convention' (event/rule) with 'constitutional amendment' (the textual change itself). Using 'convention' to mean a routine professional conference.
- Misspelling as 'constitutional convertion'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The Philadelphia Convention of 1787, which drafted the United States Constitution.
As an event, its product (a constitution) can be. As an unwritten rule, it is politically binding and crucial for stability, but not usually enforceable in court.
A convention is the meeting or process that may create or propose changes. An amendment is the specific, formal change to the constitutional text itself.
Yes. Breaking an unwritten convention can cause a political crisis and may lead to the creation of a new law to codify the rule.
A formal meeting or assembly of representatives with the purpose of drafting, revising, or amending a nation's or state's constitution.
Constitutional convention is usually formal in register.
Constitutional convention: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒnstɪˈtjuːʃ(ə)n(ə)l kənˈvɛnʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːnstɪˈtuːʃ(ə)n(ə)l kənˈvɛnʃ(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Something] is more honoured in the breach than the observance. (Used to describe a weak constitutional convention)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A CONVENTION for creating or changing the CONSTITUTION. A 'constitutional' (as in a walk) is a regular practice; a convention can be a regular practice or a meeting.
Conceptual Metaphor
A NATION IS A BUILDING (The convention lays the foundation or blueprints). GOVERNANCE IS A GAME (Conventions are the unwritten rules of the game).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'constitutional convention' in the British political context?