A basic law is either a codified constitution, or in countries with uncodified constitutions, a law designed to have the effect of a constitution. The term basic law is used in some places as an alternative to "constitution" and may be intended as a temporary but necessary measure, until the formal enactment of a constitution. "Basic law" is sometimes used to avoid its being taken to be, like a constitution, "the highest law". There may be various reasons, such as religion, for this.

Germany

In West Germany the term "Basic Law" (German: Grundgesetz) was used to indicate that the Basic Law was provisional until the ultimate reunification of Germany. However, when Germany finally reunified in 1990, no new constitutions were adopted and instead the Basic Law was adopted throughout the entire German territory.

Hong Kong and Macau

The Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China, namely Hong Kong and Macau, have basic laws as their constitutional documents. The basic laws are the highest authority, respectively, in the territories, while the rights of amendment and interpretation rest with the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China.

Israel

The Basic Laws of Israel are fourteen quasi-constitutional laws of the State of Israel, were originally intended to be draft chapters of a future Israeli constitution, which has been indefinitely postponed since 1950.

List of basic laws

See also

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