constitutionalism

[ kon-sti-too-shuh-nl-iz-uhm, -tyoo- ]

noun

1. the principles of constitutional government or adherence to them.
2. constitutional rule or authority.

constitutionalism

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˌconstiˈtutionalist, noun

Other Words From

• anti·consti·tution·al·ism noun
• hyper·consti·tution·al·ism noun
• procon·sti·tution·al·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of constitutionalism¹

First recorded in 1825–35; constitutional + -ism

Example Sentences

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

“The collective action by the doctors is an act that betrays their responsibilities and shakes the basis of the liberalism and constitutionalism,” Yoon said in televised remarks at the start of a Cabinet meeting.

From Seattle Times

At the time, debates about the pros and cons of democracy, republicanism and constitutionalism were common on Chinese social media.

From New York Times

“Something has got to really be rearranged in these settings without a return to hard-nosed constitutionalism, because I don’t think that’ll work either,” he says.

From Seattle Times

Second, if he wins, he wants to be able to say that he has a mandate for a totalitarian plan to jail enemies and end American constitutionalism as we know it.

From Salon