What is considered the highest body of rules in a society, excluding the corporate charter?

The highest body of rules in a society, excluding the corporate charter, is indeed the constitution. The constitution serves as the foundational document that outlines the fundamental principles and framework for governance within the organization. It sets forth the structure of the organization, the roles of its members, and the powers granted to different branches of the society.

In contrast, the bylaws, which are often chosen as the answer in this case, are derived from the constitution and serve to specify the rules and procedures that govern the daily operations and specific functions of the organization. While bylaws are essential for operational guidelines, they are subordinate to the constitution, which holds the ultimate authority.

Parliamentary authority refers to the set of rules that guide the conduct of meetings and decision-making processes based on recognized procedural guidelines, such as Robert's Rules of Order. Standing rules are typically established to govern more specific administrative details and practices but, like bylaws, they cannot supersede or replace the constitution.

Therefore, recognizing the constitution as the highest governing document emphasizes its pivotal role in establishing overarching governance and guiding the society’s operations.