Articles of incorporation are

a.) the internal working rules of a corporation.

b.) a document that establishes the expected activities of the parties within a corporation while the day-to-day operations are controlled through bylaws.

c.) a special licence given by the Crown to form a corporation for the purpose of carrying on a particular activity.

d.) a document incorporating a corporation issued by the appropriate authority through letters patent.

e.) a document establishing the essential terms of an agreement to form a corporation.