At a glance: Egypt's constitution

Egypt's constitution is the subject of much discussion and debate for two reasons. First, the opposition says the constitution is fatally flawed and is demanding key amendments. And second, it sets out the procedures for any transfer of power, should President Hosni Mubarak step down, as the protesters are demanding.

The protesters have many complaints about the constitution, and some want an entirely new document written from scratch. But over the short term, the protests have focused on succession mechanisms.

Nathan J Brown, professor of political science and international affairs at the US George Washington University, analyses the articles at the heart of the debate.