charter

n.A document, issued by a government, that grants rights, liberties, or powers to its citizens.A government act or filing establishing a business, especially articles of incorporation.A document outlining the mission, principles, and procedures of an organization.LawA record documenting title to land obtained by livery of seisin.

Notes

A charter1 is distinguished from a constitution in that the former is granted by the sovereign, while the latter is established by the people themselves. Both are the fundamental law of the land.