What is constitutionalism?
Q: What is constitutionalism?
A: Constitutionalism is a form of political thought and action that seeks to prevent tyranny, including the worst result of majority rule, and to guarantee the liberty and rights of individuals. It is the conduct of politics in accordance with a constitution.
Q: What does limited government mean?
A: Limited government means that officials cannot act arbitrarily when they make and enforce public decisions. Public officials cannot simply do as they please; instead, their actions must be guided by the supreme law - the Constitution.
Q: What does Article 6 of the United States Constitution state?
A: Article 6 of the United States Constitution states that “The Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof … shall be the supreme Law of the Land." All laws passed either by Congress or by state legislatures must conform to this supreme law.
Q: How can a legislative or executive action that violates the Constitution be declared unconstitutional?
A: A legislative or executive action that violates the Constitution can be declared unconstitutional, or unlawful, by Supreme Court.
Q: What is a constitutional monarchy?
A: A constitutional monarchy is a form of government that lies between absolutism and parliamentary republic. In this type of system, there is still a monarch but his power is limited by laws set out in a constitution.
Q: How does an absolutist system differ from a parliamentary republic?
A: In an absolutist system, there are no limits on what powers can be exercised by monarchs; they have complete freedom to do as they wish without any checks on their authority. In contrast, in a parliamentary republic there is no monarch at all; instead power rests with elected representatives who are answerable to citizens through regular elections.
