constitutionalism

American  

[kon-sti-too-shuh-nl-iz-uhm, -tyoo-] / ˌkɒn stɪˈtu ʃə nlˌɪz əm, -ˈtyu- /

noun

1. the principles of constitutional government or adherence to them.

2. constitutional rule or authority.

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constitutionalism British  

/ ˌkɒnstɪˈtjuːʃənəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. the principles, spirit, or system of government in accord with a constitution, esp a written constitution

2. adherence to or advocacy of such a system or such principles

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Other Word Forms

• anticonstitutionalism noun
• constitutionalist noun
• hyperconstitutionalism noun
• proconstitutionalism noun

Etymology

Origin of constitutionalism

First recorded in 1825–35; constitutional + -ism

Example Sentences

Until just a few years ago, the majority of justices would have agreed that the proper way to read the Constitution was as an evolving document, an approach usually described as living constitutionalism.

From Salon

Perhaps the largest events were the Watergate scandal and Nixon’s resignation, a putative victory for democracy and constitutionalism.

From Salon

Anyone who hopes to preserve the sanctity of the civil-military ideal would do well to circle the wagons of law and constitutionalism and man the ramparts of institutional self-preservation.

From Salon

He has spent the last four years honing plans — and legal justifications — for the expansive use of executive power that Trump wants and that Vought refers to as “radical constitutionalism.”

From Los Angeles Times

Your book goes beyond a critique of originalism to advance an alternative you call "inclusive constitutionalism," rooted most powerfully in the Reconstruction amendments.

From Salon