Constitution - Statutes [the difference]
Table of Contents
1️⃣ What is a constitution?
Basic understanding
A constitution is the supreme fundamental document of an organisation, a confederation of states or a higher-level project.
It defines identity, purpose, values and basic principles.
At NADEUM-WIKO, the constitution means:
- It describes why NADEUM-WIKO exists
- It defines which values are immutable
- It determines the basic structure and orientation
- It creates legitimacy both internally and externally
- It sets limits for all subordinate regulations
Typical contents of a constitution:
- Vision, mission, purpose
- Core values (e.g. neutrality, sustainability, common good)
- Basic principles of cooperation
- Relationship to states, institutions and partners
- Basic structure of the organisation
- Primacy of the constitution over all other regulations
Key feature:
➡️ The constitution is designed for the long term and is difficult to change.
It is intended to create stability – even when political, economic or personnel conditions change.
Mnemonic:
The constitution answers the question:
‘Who are we – and what do we stand for?’
2️⃣ What are statutes?
Basic understanding
Statutes are subordinate sets of rules that describe how an organisation functions on a day-to-day basis.
They implement the constitution in practical and organisational terms.
At NADEUM-WIKO, the statutes regulate:
- Membership (admission, rights, obligations)
- Organs, committees and their tasks
- Decision-making and voting procedures
- Financial processes
- Project organisation
- Operational responsibilities
Typical contents of statutes:
- Structure of the organisation
- Responsibilities of the board, coordination, working groups
- Internal procedures
- Rules for projects and partnerships
- Administrative processes
Key feature:
➡️ Statutes are adaptable and can be amended as necessary,
as long as they do not conflict with the constitution.
Mnemonic:
The statutes answer the question:
‘How do we work together in concrete terms?’
3️⃣ Direct comparison: Constitution vs. Statutes
| Aspect | Constitution | Bylaws |
|---|---|---|
| Hierarchy | Highest rule | Subordinate |
| Purpose | Identity, values, fundamental order | Organization & procedures |
| Content | Principles & guidelines | Procedures & responsibilities |
| Amendability | Very restrictive | Relatively flexible |
| Time horizon | Long-term | Operational |
| Effect | Strategic & stabilizing | Practical & implementing |
| Validity | Binding for all levels | Within the framework of the constitution |
4️⃣ Why this separation is crucial at NADEUM-WIKO
Advantages of a clear separation:
- Legal and organisational clarity
- Protection against arbitrariness and short-term interests
- Building trust with partners and institutions
- Professional public image
- Stability during growth or structural changes
Typical mistake (which NADEUM-WIKO consciously avoids):
Regulating everything in the statutes →
leads to instability, constant changes and uncertainty about values.
5️⃣ Basic rule at NADEUM-WIKO
- The constitution provides the framework.
- The statutes operate within this framework.
- No statute may contradict the constitution.
Or to put it more simply:
The constitution provides meaning and direction.
The statutes ensure that the organisation remains capable of acting.
6️⃣ Transparency and trust
NADEUM-WIKO deliberately presents this distinction openly so that:
- Members know what they are getting involved in
- Partners have clarity about responsibilities
- External actors can understand the structure
- Trust is created through order