A Brief History of Constitutional Theory in Britain

Abstract

This paper surveys the development of constitutional theory in England, and later Britain, from the Twelfth Century until today. It shows how contending theories attempted to reconcile the need for strong central authority to maintain order and justice, with the need to control that authority - either through law or political struggle - to prevent its misuse. It describes a gradual transition from theories of monarchical rule to those of mixed government and finally parliamentary democracy, and how they understood the place or role of the Church, the law, “the community” and “the people”.

Keywords: History of Constitutional Theory, Legal Philosophy, Monarchy, Parliament, Mixed Government, Sovereignty

JEL Classification: K4