Constitutionalism - A Perspective

Abstract

A country may have a Constitution, but not necessarily ‘constitutionalism.’ For example, a country where dictator’s word is law can be said to have a constitution, but not constitutionalism. A Constitution does not merely confer powers to various organs of the government, but also seeks to restrain these powers. Constitutionalism envisages checks and balances and puts power of legislature and executive under some restrain, otherwise freedom of people would be jeopardized, leading an authoritarian, oppressive government. Therefore, to preserve basic freedom of individual and to maintain the dignity and personality, a Constitution should be permeated with Constitutionalism; that is, it should have in-built restrictions on powers.

Keywords: Constitution, Constitutionalism, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy

JEL Classification: K10