Constitutions and political theory Second edition [Paperback]

Since constitutional arrangements are what make politics work, they are a central concern of political theory. This book, now completely updated, was the first comprehensive exploration of the political theory of constitutions.

Jan-Erik Lane begins by examining the origins and history of constitutionalism and answers key questions such as: what is a constitution? Why are there constitutions? From where does constitutionalism originate? How is the constitutional state related to democracy and justice?

Constitutions play a major role in domestic and international politics in the early 21st century and an updated version of this classic textbook will introduce students to a number of different areas - theoretical, empirical and moral - which will aid their understanding of this important topic.

INTRODUCTION: CONSTITUTIONS AND RULE OF LAW - Two Interpretations of Rule of Law

SECTION I: CONSTITUTIONAL INSTITUTIONS

1. Two Great Constitutional Legacies

2. Mini and Maxi Constitutions in the World

3. Constitutional Law and the Legal Order

SECTION II. RULE OF LAW INSTITUTIONS - EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE

4. Relevance of Rule of Law: Some Outcomes

5. What Enhances Rule of Law?

SECTION III: CONSTITUTIONALISM IN POLITICAL THOUGHT

6. Emergence of Modern Constitutionalism around 1600

7. The Forerunners of the Principal-Agent Model of Politics

SECTION IV: A PRINCIPAL-AGENT INTERPRETATION OF CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY

8. The Principal-Agent Problem in Politics

9. Political Leadership: How to Restrain Political Agents

SECTION V. AGENCY AND LEADERSHIP: POLITICAL PARTIES AND STATE GOVERNMENTS

10. Political Parties, Party Government and Remuneration for Agency

11. Global and Regional Constitutionalism: Constraining the Governments of States

CONCLUDING REMARK: ACCOUNTABILITY IN POLITICS

Jan Erik Lane is Professor at the University of Freiburg