Major World Constitutions & Constitutionalism
Comparative constitutionalism analyzes foundational charters, structural designs, and legal philosophies governing major sovereign states. The United States Constitution (drafted in 1787 in Philadelphia) is the world's oldest operational written national constitution, established on principles of federalism, bicameralism, and a formal Bill of Rights. In contrast, the United Kingdom operates an unwritten (uncodified) constitution built upon historical statutes (Magna Carta 1215, Bill of Rights 1689), common law judicial precedents, and binding parliamentary conventions. The French Constitution of the Fifth Republic (1958), framed under Charles de Gaulle, instituted a strong semi-presidential dual executive. Germany's Basic Law (Grundgesetz of 1949) establishes a federal parliamentary republic centered on unamendable human dignity.
Key Concepts & Examination Highlights
- The Constitution of the United States was drafted at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787 and ratified in 1788 with seven original articles.
- The Magna Carta, signed by King John of England at Runnymede in 1215, established the fundamental legal principle that the monarch is subject to the law.
- The French Fifth Republic Constitution was adopted on October 4, 1958, establishing a hybrid semi-presidential system with strong presidential authority.
- Germany's Basic Law (Grundgesetz) contains an 'eternity clause' (Article 79(3)) preventing amendments that abolish democracy, federalism, or fundamental human dignity.