Abstract
Constitutions are a necessary dimension of any modern state. They are frequently approached instrumentally, as providing the 'rules of the game', but constitutions ought to be understood as equally comprising a significant symbolic dimension.
In fact, the constitution operates as a symbol, a meta-symbol, or a symbolic-integrative framework for society. As such, constitutions carry different symbolic meanings, and are contestable.
The Polish case provides a signicant example of enduring contestation of constitutional symbolics. The chapter starts with a discussion of the different meta-dimensions - instrumental and symbolic - of constitutions, to subsequently discuss a more fine-grained range of constitutional functions.
Subsequently, the Polish case will involve a discussion of the 1997 Constitution, the intense political conflicts around is adoption, to end with a brief discussion of the on-going role of meta-politics since 2015.