The Golden Bull

The Golden Bull was a decree issued in 1356 by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, establishing the constitutional structure of the empire. It primarily outlined how emperor elections would be conducted, designating the seven prince-electors responsible for choosing the monarch. The decree also defined the roles and privileges of various princes and set standards for imperial governance, aiming to stabilize and formalize the empire's political system. Essentially, it was an early form of constitutional law that helped organize and legitimize the authority within the diverse territories of Central Europe.