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

Surely, they will object, nationalism in America means constitutionalism!

From The Daily Beast

There is no shortage of ideas to borrow from, as there a rich literature on constitutionalism and ethnicity.

From The Daily Beast

A crude Constitutionalism, or a still cruder Republicanism, were preached by almost all writers of the time.

From Project Gutenberg

After 1789, the German was down with that new disease, French constitutionalism; liberty, fraternity and equality.

From Project Gutenberg

If you wish to become hysterical, read your fill of this drunken era of French Constitutionalism.

From Project Gutenberg

The state-governments had overcome the attacks of constitutionalism, and seemed to be more independent of control than ever.

From Project Gutenberg

Parliamentarianism was dying on its legs and constitutionalism appeared to have received its death-blow.

From Project Gutenberg