unwritten constitution

noun

1. a constitution, as in Great Britain, not codified as a document but defined by custom and precedent as embodied in statutes and judicial decisions.

Word History and Origins

Origin of unwritten constitution¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

That democratic system is underpinned by an “unwritten constitution” - a set of laws, rules, conventions and judicial decisions accumulated over hundreds of years.

From Washington Times

Johnson tested Britain’s unwritten constitution.

From Washington Times

But Blick says Britain’s unwritten constitution means that checks and balances are easier to override than in some other democracies.

From Washington Times

Johnson tested Britain’s unwritten constitution.

From Seattle Times

But Blick says Britain’s unwritten constitution means that checks and balances are easier to override than in some other democracies.

From Seattle Times