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Conceptual Evolution

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Abstract

The current meaning of citizenship depends on how it is framed within the structure of the State, if we accept the idea of a people as a linking element or substratum of legitimacy of a political community.

As historical analysis demonstrates, lying at the origin of citizenship is, precisely, the constitutional concept of a people. This origin of the concept is of great importance if we are to fully understand its current configuration. It is not possible to conceive citizenship disconnected from its substratum and the constitutional notion of a people. In fact, the definition of citizenship is the sovereign instrument for the definition of a people; in ancient times, as will be seen, the interpretation was always thus.

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© 2016 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s)

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Matias, G. (2016). Conceptual Evolution. In: Citizenship as a Human Right. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-59384-9_2

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