General

Difference Between Constitution and Constitutionalism

Difference Between Constitution and Constitutionalism

The word “constitution” is often used as a synonym for “constitutionalism.” In reality, however, these two terms are not the same. The constitution of a country is its written document that defines how it will be governed. Constitutionalism refers to the belief that those who govern should obey the rules set out in this document. What does this mean? It means that constitutionalists believe laws created by elected officials should be limited and protect individual rights as laid out in a country’s constitution.

In contrast, those who support a more laissez faire government believe that officials should be able to make any law they want as long as it does not violate the constitution. This is because they believe that the people are best served when officials have a lot of freedom to create laws. While there are benefits and drawbacks to both systems, constitutionalism is often used to describe the belief that laws should be limited.

Constitution Vs. Constitutionalism

While there are benefits and drawbacks to both systems, constitutionalism is often used to describe the belief that laws should be limited. In other words, people who believe in a stricter government system where elected officials must follow all rules laid out in a country’s constitution would most likely be described as “constitutionalists”.

Those who believe that officials should be able to make new laws without too many restrictions would more likely support a “constitutionalist” government system.

What is Constitution?

The Constitution of a country is its written document that defines how it will be governed. It lays out the basic rules and principles that all officials must obey. This includes the structure of government, individual rights, and how laws can be created. The Constitution can be amended over time to reflect changes in society.

Main elements of a Constitution

  • Preamble: This is a statement that explains the purpose of the document.
  • Articles: These are the main sections of the Constitution and outline how the government will work, individual rights, and other important aspects of the country.
  • Amendments: These are changes to the Constitution that have been approved by the government.
  • Supreme Law: This is a term used to describe all of these documents together as one whole unit that needs to be obeyed by everyone in a country.

What is Constitutionalism?

Constitutionalism refers to the belief that those who govern should obey the rules set out in this document. This means that constitutionalists believe laws created by elected officials should be limited and protect individual rights as laid out in a country’s constitution. In contrast, those who support a more laissez faire government believe that officials should be able to make any law they want as long as it does not violate the constitution. This is because they believe that the people are best served when officials have a lot of freedom to create laws.

Basic features of constitutionalism

  • The belief that government officials should obey the rules set by their country’s constitution.
  • Limiting laws to ensure they do not violate rights or take away freedom from individuals.
  • Protecting individual rights so people are free to live according to their own choices and beliefs without interference from elected officials.
  • The idea that the people are best served when officials have a lot of freedom to create laws.

While there are benefits and drawbacks to both systems, constitutionalism is often used to describe the belief that laws should be limited. This means that constitutionalists believe elected officials should only make laws that do not violate rights or take away freedom from individuals.

Difference Between Constitution and Constitutionalism

  • The main difference between constitution and constitutionalism is that constitution is documented while constitutionalism is not.
  • Constitution is a document that has all the law, it will never change. Constitutionalism refers to “constitutional principles” which are open to interpretation and can be changed over time as needed.
  • The second main difference between the two is that constitutionalism upholds democracy while constitution does not have to.
  • The third difference rests on the idea of natural rights. The Constitution of the United States of America is based on what are called “natural rights” or inalienable rights. Constitutionalism, however, does not necessarily uphold this idea.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Constitution and constitutionalism are not the same. The Constitution is a document that defines how a country will be governed while constitutionalism refers to the belief that those who govern should obey the rules set out in this document. Constitutionalism upholds democracy while constitution does not have to. Finally, constitutionalism rests on the idea of natural rights while constitution does not.