foundational authority
[faun-DAY-shuh-nul aw-THOR-i-tee]
nounpl: foundational authorities
autoridade fundamental
1. The primary or basic source of power, legitimacy, or jurisdiction upon which all other authorities derive their power; the ultimate source of governing authority
The Constitution serves as the foundational authority for all laws in the United States.
A Constituição funciona como a autoridade fundamental para todas as leis nos Estados Unidos.
2. In religious or philosophical contexts, the supreme or original source of doctrine, truth, or moral principles
For many Christians, the Bible is considered the foundational authority for faith and practice.
Para muitos cristãos, a Bíblia é considerada a autoridade fundamental para a fé e a prática.
3. In organizational or institutional settings, the core source of decision-making power and organizational legitimacy
The board of directors serves as the foundational authority within the corporation.
O conselho de administração funciona como a autoridade fundamental dentro da corporação.
This term is frequently used in legal, constitutional, religious, and academic discourse in both American and Brazilian contexts. In the U.S., it often refers to constitutional authority and the separation of powers doctrine. In Brazil, it is commonly used in discussions of constitutional law and institutional legitimacy, particularly in relation to the Federal Constitution of 1988 and the structure of democratic governance.
Related Idioms & Phrases
the source of all authority
the ultimate source of power
the backbone of authority
the foundation upon which all else rests
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