Unconstitutional refers to a government action which is in violation of the authority and rights defined and granted in the government's constitution. Most constitutions set forth the powers of governments, so that the constitution normally applies only to government actions. An action of state or federal governments, through any of its agencies and bodies, is subject to constitutional limits, and only governments can violate the nation's constitution..
For example, the U.S. Constitution guarantees that the nation shall not have any particular religion imposed upon its citizens. Therefore, holiday displays at a city hall are required to be non-denominational and a Christmas display displaying images of Jesus would be found unconstitutional.
