A formal summary of essential rights and liberties believed by the people.

A formal summary of essential rights and liberties believed by the people can be referred to as a constitution or a bill of rights. This document outlines the fundamental rights and freedoms that individuals are entitled to and serves as a guiding principle for a society.

In many countries, including the United States, the constitution or bill of rights is a significant legal document that establishes the framework for the government and protects the rights of its citizens. It often includes key principles such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, as well as the right to a fair trial, privacy, and the freedom from cruel and unusual punishment.

A constitution or bill of rights is typically created through a process involving representatives from various groups in society, who come together to draft and agree on the rights and liberties that should be protected. This document is then ratified or approved by the government and becomes the law of the land.

The purpose of a constitution or bill of rights is to ensure that individuals have certain basic rights and freedoms that cannot be violated by the government. It acts as a safeguard against abuses of power and serves as a foundation for a just and democratic society. It provides a framework for the balance between the rights of individuals and the responsibilities of the government.