constitutionalism

American  

[kon-sti-too-shuh-nl-iz-uhm, -tyoo-] / ˌkɒn stɪˈtu ʃə nlˌɪz əm, -ˈtyu- /

noun

1. the principles of constitutional government or adherence to them.

2. constitutional rule or authority.

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constitutionalism British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• anticonstitutionalism noun
• constitutionalist noun
• hyperconstitutionalism noun
• proconstitutionalism noun

Etymology

Origin of constitutionalism

First recorded in 1825–35; constitutional + -ism

Example Sentences

Perhaps the largest events were the Watergate scandal and Nixon’s resignation, a putative victory for democracy and constitutionalism.

From Salon

Anyone who hopes to preserve the sanctity of the civil-military ideal would do well to circle the wagons of law and constitutionalism and man the ramparts of institutional self-preservation.

From Salon

In the final chapter, you write about ways to build the movement for a more inclusive form of constitutionalism.

From Salon

At the time, debates about the pros and cons of democracy, republicanism and constitutionalism were common on Chinese social media.

From New York Times

“Something has got to really be rearranged in these settings without a return to hard-nosed constitutionalism, because I don’t think that’ll work either,” he says.

From Seattle Times