Constitution

Preamble

The American commonwealth’s highest expressions of public worth are the notable achievements that extraordinary individuals make in service to all sectors of society. Those whose public contributions make possible significant strides in sustaining and advancing society are role models for future generations, just as they have been inspired by extraordinary service by those who came before them. Celebrating the worth of noble accomplishment, honoring the leadership of imagination and skill that illumines our lives and advances the social sciences broadly, and recognizing high service to humanity, are solemn responsibilities that the Congress of the United States of America, by its Acts adopted in 1898 and 1925, has entrusted to the care of the National Institute of Social Sciences. To fulfill its duties to Congress and the American people, this Constitution is duly enacted.

Article I – Objectives

The Objectives of the National Institute of Social Sciences shall be to promote the study of the social sciences and research therein, and to honor distinguished services rendered to humanity.

Article II – Membership

Members shall be elected to The National Institute of Social Sciences by the Trustees for notable achievement in the field of social science, or services performed for the benefit of humanity. The procedures for proposals for Membership shall be prescribed in the By-Laws.

Article III – Governance

The National Institute of Social Sciences shall be governed by a Board of Trustees, with general power to control and manage the affairs and property of the National Institute. The Board of Trustees shall be constituted of not less than 10 or more than 36 Members, duly elected at the National Institute’s Annual Meeting, in two classes, each class for a term of two years. The Board may fill any vacancies as they arise. The Board of Trustees shall have full power and authority to fill vacancies in the Board, and to propose amendments to the National Institute’s By-Laws, as may be deemed necessary for the proper administration of the affairs of the National Institute. 

Article IV – Officers and Council

The Officers of the National Institute of Social Sciences shall be a President, as many Vice Presidents as the Board of Trustees may from time to time determine, and a Secretary and Treasurer. They shall be elected by the Board of Trustees at the next Board of Trustees meeting following the Annual Meeting of the National Institute. The Officers shall constitute a Council, to serve as an executive committee of the Board of Trustees, to act on its behalf when the Board is not convened. 

Article V – Honor Medal and Insignia

The Gold Honor Medal of the National Institute of Social Services, conferred to honor distinguished services rendered to humanity, shall bear the Figure of Fame, resting on a shield, holding wreaths of laurel, the shield to bear the name of the National Institute of Social Sciences, and in the left hand the figure to hold a palm branch, and on the reverse to show a torch with a name plate and “Dignus Honore,” the motto of the National Institute of Social Sciences.    

The badge of Membership in the National Institute of Social Sciences shall bear an eagle surrounded by a wreath of oak and laurel, with the name of the National Institute of Social Science, stellar rays making a background for the devise.

The insignia of the National Institute of Social Sciences shall be a bow of royal purple ribbon with a white bar woven at the extremity of the loops, or a medal and enamel pin of similar design. 

Article VI – Amendments

This Constitution may be amended, upon the recommendation of the Council or Board of Trustees, or upon the written request of at least 15 percent of the total of Annual and Life Members of the National Institute of Social Sciences, at any Annual Meeting thereof, by a two-thirds vote of the Members present. The Secretary shall mail to each Member of the National Institute of Social Sciences a copy of the proposed amendment at least three weeks before the date of the Annual Meeting at which the amendment is to be considered. 

Amended: Annual Meeting of 2012, September 2012.