what is constitutionalism, its history, and why we learn about it today

Constitutionalism (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)

by W Waluchow - 2007 - Cited by 9 - Related articles
Feb 20, 2007 ... Constitutionalism is the idea, often associated with the political theories of John Locke and the "founders" of the American republic, ...
1. Constitutionalism: a ... - 2. Sovereign versus Government - 3. Entrenchment
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/constitutionalism/

Constitutionalism
Sep 7, 2003 ... Constitutionalism is the idea, often associated with the political theories of John Locke and the "founders" of the American republic, ...
http://www.constitution.org/constitutionalism.htm

Read carefully and take good notes.

These sites will help you.

http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/constitutionalism/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/06/AR2011010604379.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitutionalism

Constitutionalism is a political philosophy and principle that centers around the idea of having a constitution that establishes a framework for government, defines the powers and limitations of government officials, and guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms for individuals. It is a system of governance based on the rule of law, where the government's authority is expressly granted and constrained by a constitution.

To understand the history of constitutionalism, we need to go back to ancient civilizations, where early forms of written laws and governing principles emerged. For instance, the Code of Hammurabi in ancient Mesopotamia (around 1750 BCE) is considered one of the earliest known written codes of law. Fast forward to ancient Greece and the Roman Republic, we see the development of democratic and republican principles, including the establishment of constitutional arrangements.

However, the modern concept of constitutionalism primarily emerged during the Enlightenment period in the 17th and 18th centuries. Thinkers like John Locke, Montesquieu, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau laid the foundations for constitutionalism by emphasizing the importance of limited government, separation of powers, and the protection of individual rights. Their ideas heavily influenced the American and French Revolutions, leading to the establishment of constitutional democracies.

Why do we learn about constitutionalism today? There are a few key reasons:

1. Understanding our political systems: Constitutionalism forms the backbone of modern democratic systems across the globe. By studying constitutional principles, we can comprehend how our governments should function and the rights and protections we are entitled to as citizens.

2. Safeguarding individual rights: Constitutionalism is designed to protect individual liberties and prevent the abuse of power. By studying constitutional law and rights, we can ensure that our governments operate within defined boundaries and respect our fundamental freedoms.

3. Preserving the rule of law: Constitutionalism emphasizes the importance of the rule of law, which is vital for a functioning society. By learning about constitutionalism, we understand the mechanisms and institutions that help maintain a just and fair legal system.

4. Influencing public discourse: Knowledge of constitutionalism allows individuals to participate in public debates, advocate for change, and challenge unconstitutional actions by governments. It empowers us to engage in informed discussions about constitutional issues and take an active role in shaping our societies.

In summary, constitutionalism is a political philosophy rooted in the idea of having a constitution that defines the framework of government, safeguards individual rights, and ensures the rule of law. We learn about constitutionalism today to understand our political systems, protect individual rights, preserve the rule of law, and actively participate in shaping our societies.