A pre-colonial constitution refers to the system of governance and laws that existed in a particular country or region before it was colonized by foreign powers. These constitutions, which varied greatly from one region to another, were often based on traditional beliefs and customs, and were designed to regulate the behavior of individuals and groups within a society. They typically prescribed rules for the appointment of leaders, the administration of justice, the resolution of disputes, and the protection of individual rights, among other things. In some cases, pre-colonial constitutions were codified or written down, while in others they were based on oral traditions passed down over generations.