National Constitution
The National Constitution is the supreme Governing Document of Phi Sigma Pi. All authority vested in each component of the National Fraternity is derived from this document.
Key Elements
The National Constitution defines the structure and organization of the National Fraternity, describes the duties and responsibilities as well as the powers and authorities of each component part of Phi Sigma Pi, and defines the purpose of the organization.
Structure and Organization
Article III of the National Constitution provides a brief overview of the organization of the National Fraternity, describing Phi Sigma Pi as "a collaboration of seven (7) component parts..." (A-III, S2). The "components" enumerated are:
- Grand Chapter
- National Council
- Collegiate Chapters
- Alumni Chapters
- National Alumni Association (added in 2007)
- Alumni Associations
- Regions (added in 2007)
Further articles of the National Constitution are dedicated to defining and describing in more detail the specific areas of responsibility of the various component parts.
- Grand Chapter is the subject of Article V.
- National Council is defined in Article VI, and assigned duties and powers therein. Article VII describes the election of the National Council, and Article VIII details the specific duties of the National Officers who sit as members of the National Council.
- Collegiate Chapters are defined in Article IX, assigned officers in Article XI, and required to maintain finances per Article XVI. Chapter Records and Reports are detailed in Article XVII
History
Adoption
The National Constitution was adopted in 1990 by the Grand Chapter as a replacement to the previous Governing Documents in force, the National Bylaws and the National Constitution. Although it was common practice for organized societies to maintain bylaws separate from a constitution, in more recent decades, the practice has been one of consolidation to avoid unnecessary repetition and potential conflict.