Basic Law

Basic Law
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The term basic law is used in some places as an alternative to "constitution", implying it is a temporary but necessary measure without formal enactment of constitution. A Basic Law is either a codified constitution, or in countries with uncodified constitutions, a law given to have constitution powers and effect. The name is usually used to imply an interim or transitory nature, or avoid attempting a claim to being "the highest law", often for religious reasons. In West Germany, the term basic law (Grundgesetz) was used, to indicate that the basic law was provisional until the ultimate reunification of Germany, whereupon a new constitution would be adopted. In the event, no constitution was ever adopted, and the basic law was instead extended throughout the entire German territory. Basic law is entrenched in that it overrides ordinary 'statute law' passed by the legislature.

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 regions, 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.

List of basic laws

See also