As countries in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries change
from colonialist to independent rule, or from a socialist to a
democratic society, the need for a written constitution becomes
apparent. Countries in the former Soviet Union, Africa, or nations
once part of the British Empire face social, economic, and
humanitarian problems as they experiment with democratic rule. Such
issues as clearly defining where sovereignty lies, how much power
is given to the people, and what rights are possessed by a nation's
citizenry are new to these countries. While a constitution, being a
man-made document, is subject to interpretation and does not always
delineate in a lucid framework its parameters for future
generations, it is clear that constitutions "do" matter.
This volume, compiled under the direction of the City University
of Stockholm, is an important study on the significance of
constitutions and constitutional law in a democratic society. A
number of scholars in law, political science, and economics have
contributed to this volume. They include: James Buchanan,
Aleksander Peczenik, Mats Lundstrom, Joakim Nergelius, Sverker
Hard, Niclas Berggren, Peter Kurrild-Klitgaard, Wolfgang Kasper,
and Erik Moberg. All add to the understanding of the intertwining
roles of politics and the social sciences in a modern democratic
state.
They explore why a constitution is essential; the relationship
between a constitution and a rational political system; the
democratic principle of majority rule; why constitutional
constraints are needed in a democratic state; recent constitutional
reforms in the United Kingdom; the electoral system and its
centrality in a democracy; evolution in constitutional change;
competition within a federal structure; and the connection between
politics and economics. "Why Constitutions Matter" is a fascinating
and timely study of constitutionalism, and will be of interest to
students of politics, law, economics, and sociology.
General
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