Constitutional Revolution: The Link Between Constitutionalism and Progress - Hardcover

Preuss, Ulrich K.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0391038532 ISBN 13: 9780391038530

Publisher: Humanities Press International Inc, 1995

Synopsis

In the postcommunist countries of East and Central Europe, there has been a surprising revival of the concept of constitutionalism. Communism was dismantled by revolutions that were very different from our traditional expectation, initiated not by general strikes or by any kind of mass violence. Instead, it was the creative invention of institutions and rule that enabled the masses to make a "soft" break with the ancien regime. Core elements of constitutionalism the rule of law, separation of powers, and individual human rights were among the primary goals of the emerging new political elites. In fact, these revolutions were, from their inception, constitutional revolutions.
Preuss places these constitutional revolutions in a broader conceptual and historical context and analyzes the largely neglected connections between the concept of constitutionalism and the idea of progress. He sees serious new challenges to present-day constitutionalism and opens the debate as to whether the modern constitutional state will be able to cope. The result is a fresh and exciting new look at modern constitutionalism, its strengths and weaknesses.

About this title

Synopsis

This work looks at the revival of constitutionalism in the post-Communist countries of East and Central Europe. Seeing the "soft break" from the ancien regime of communism as a constitutional revolution, the book also deals with the connections between constitutionalism and progress.

Edition details

• Publisher: Humanities Press International Inc
• Publication date: 1995
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0391038532
• ISBN 13: 9780391038530
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 136