Abstract
Most nation-states have a formal constitution. Until recently, however, the study of constitutions was only a major theme of political analysis within liberal democracies. This was because liberal democracy is partly defined as constitutional government: that is, as government in accordance with, and limited by, formal rules. In addition, several liberal democracies — including Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden — have adopted new constitutions since 1970. This has given new impetus to constitutional studies.
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Key reading
Bogdanor, V. (ed.) (1988) Constitutions in Democratic Politics (Aldershot: Gower). A useful volume, reviewing constitutional issues and experience in sixteen liberal democracies.
O’Brien, D. (1986) Storm Center: The Supreme Court in American Politics (New York: Norton). A lively account of a fascinating institution.
Forsyth, M. (ed.) (1989) Federalism and Nationalism (Leicester University Press). Assesses the experience of federalism around the world.
Wright, D. (1988) Understanding Intergovernmental Relations (Pacific Grove, Calif: Brooks Cole). An informed assessment of contemporary American federalism.
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© 1992 Rod Hague, Martin Harrop and Shaun Breslin
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Hague, R., Harrop, M., Breslin, S. (1992). The Constitutional Framework. In: Comparative Government and Politics. Comparative Government and Politics. Palgrave, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-22276-6_11
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-22276-6_11
Publisher Name: Palgrave, London
Print ISBN: 978-0-333-55820-1
Online ISBN: 978-1-349-22276-6
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