constitutionalism
Americannoun
-
the principles of constitutional government or adherence to them.
-
constitutional rule or authority.
noun
-
the principles, spirit, or system of government in accord with a constitution, esp a written constitution
-
adherence to or advocacy of such a system or such principles
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of constitutionalism
First recorded in 1825–35; constitutional + -ism
Explanation
Political scientists use the word constitutionalism to describe the belief that a government's authority is dictated by a specific law or group of laws — a constitution. People who feel strongly that government is not permitted to do anything that isn't clearly laid out in a written law are advocates of constitutionalism. In the United States, this means sticking to the letter of the Constitution, and checking all proposed laws against it. The important concepts in constitutionalism are a "higher law," or constitution, and using this as a means of limiting the powers of government.
Vocabulary lists containing constitutionalism
The Constitution
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Words with 15 or More Letters, List 4
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
U.S. Government - Middle School and High School
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The school has 30 faculty members and is developing a major, a master’s program and a Ph.D. program on American political thought and constitutionalism to supplement the growing work with undergrads.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026
I think when we think about 2026 as the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we would do well to think of it also as the 250th anniversary of American constitutionalism.
From Slate • Sep. 8, 2025
Perhaps the largest events were the Watergate scandal and Nixon’s resignation, a putative victory for democracy and constitutionalism.
From Salon • Aug. 9, 2025
At the time, debates about the pros and cons of democracy, republicanism and constitutionalism were common on Chinese social media.
From New York Times • Jan. 19, 2024
Ascher, apparently, had some approval for the doctrinaire constitutionalism of university professors turned diplomats.
From Gossamer 1915 by Birmingham, George A.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
