POL 202 Chapter Notes - Chapter 8: Budget Constraint, Judicial Activism, Religious Law
3 Nov 2016
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Document Summary
Constitution--fundamental & supreme laws, usually written in a charter, that establish the basis of a political system & the basis for other laws. Constitutions may be formed at founding of a country or when new political regime is established. Symbolize social contracts in which the people confer authority to political actors in exchange for the establishment of order & rule of law. Constitutionalism--the limitation of government through a constitution. Constitutions are basic founding laws of society, set rules & norms all other laws are based on, everyone must act in accordance with its principles, is foundation of entire political system. Constitutional design--features of constitution that shape the basic features of the political system, such as separation of powers & responsibilities between levels of government & branches of government. Federalism--system of government with constitutional design of separation of powers between central government & subnational governments.
