Constitutional Evolution

This paper presents a constitutional theory of evolution. Most theories of adaptation focus on changes in behavior, policy, optimization, structure, or genetics. The constitutional perspective begins at a deeper layer. The framework studies how constitutions themselves evolve. The central challenge is immediate. A constitution defines admissible continuation. Yet constitutional evolution requires modification of the very structure that determines admissibility. The problem therefore becomes one of admissible self-modification. The paper introduces: constitutional evolution, constitutional continuity, constitutional rupture, admissible amendment, constitutional identity, evolutionary continuity. The framework proposes that constitutional evolution is not arbitrary change. Evolution is constrained by continuity of admissibility. A constitution remains itself only when future constitutions preserve sufficient continuity with prior admissible structure. The paper develops formal criteria distinguishing amendment from rupture and evolution from replacement. The central claim: Constitutional evolution is the preservation of identity through admissible modification.