Western constitutional history

Author: He Qinhua, Zhang Haibin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-12-01
Features: This book follows the chronological development of constitutionalism, introducing early constitutional thought and practice in ancient Greece and Rome. It analyzes the constitutional development in medieval German society, legal and rights consciousness under feudalism, and the significance of the Church's rule for modern constitutionalism. The book summarizes the characteristics and significance of medieval constitutional development, as well as the emergence and evolution of modern individualist constitutional thought. It also explores the ideological foundations and basic features of social democratic constitutions, represented by the Weimar Constitution. Based on a historical review of constitutional practices in five Western countries—Great Britain, the United States, France, Germany, and Japan—the book further discusses Western constitutional principles and institutions, as well as their modernization issues. Finally, it addresses new challenges in 21st-century Western constitutionalism, examines factors influencing constitutional development, and looks ahead to the mission of contemporary constitutionalism.