  A constitutive theory for weak viscoelastic nematodynamics of Maxwell type is
developed using the standard local approach of non-equilibrium thermodynamics.
Along with particular viscoelastic and nematic kinematics, the theory uses the
weakly elastic potential proposed by de Gennes for nematic solids and the LEP
constitutive equations for viscous nematic liquids, while ignoring the Frank
(orientation) elasticity and inertia effects. In spite of many basic
parameters, algebraic properties of nematic operations investigated in
Appendix, allowed us to reveal a general group structure of the theory and
present it in a simple form. It is shown that the evolution equation for
director is also viscoelastic. An example of magnetization clarifies the
situation with non-symmetric stresses. When the sources of stress asymmetry are
absent, the theory is simplified and its relaxation properties are described by
a symmetric subgroup of nematic algebraic operations. A purely linear
constitutive behavior exemplifies the symmetric situation.
