Why Constitutions Matter (Ppr)

As countries in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries change from colonialist to independent rule, or from a socialist to a democratic society, the need for a written constitution becomes apparent. Countries in the former Soviet Union, Africa, or nations once part of the British Empire face social, economic, and humanitarian problems as they experiment with democratic rule. Such issues as clearly defining where sovereignty lies, how much power is given to the people, and what rights are possessed by a nation's citizenry are new to these countries. While a constitution, being a man-made document, is subject to interpretation and does not always delineate in a lucid framework its parameters for future generations, it is clear that constitutions do matter.

This volume, compiled under the direction of the City University of Stockholm, is an important study on the significance of constitutions and constitutional law in a democratic society. A number of scholars in law, political science, and economics have contributed to this volume. They include: James Buchanan, Aleksander Peczenik, Mats Lundstrom, Joakim Nergelius, Sverker Hard, Niclas Berggren, Peter Kurrild-Klitgaard, Wolfgang Kasper, and Erik Moberg. All add to the understanding of the intertwining roles of politics and the social sciences in a modern democratic state.

They explore why a constitution is essential; the relationship between a constitution and a rational political system; the democratic principle of majority rule; why constitutional constraints are needed in a democratic state; recent constitutional reforms in the United Kingdom; the electoral system and its centrality in a democracy; evolution in constitutional change; competition within a federal structure; and the connection between politics and economics. Why Constitutions Matter is a fascinating and timely study of constitutionalism, and will be of interest to students of politics, law, economics, and sociology.

Berggren (City U. of Stockholm, Sweden), Karlson (City U. of Stockholm), and Nergelius (Lund U.) have gathered eight contributions from political scientists, economists, and law that, for the most part, explore theoretical justifications of constitutional orders. Democratic theory and constraints on majority rule as a foundation for the modern conception of democracy are considered in a number of papers. Later, the economic effects of constitutional political institutions are explored. The various methods of distributing power in an electoral system are considered. Finally, different views of federalism and institutional competition are considered. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

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Berggren (City U. of Stockholm, Sweden), Karlson (City U. of Stockholm), and Nergelius (Lund U.) have gathered eight contributions from political scientists, economists, and law that, for the most part, explore theoretical justifications of constitutional orders. Democratic theory and constraints on majority rule as a foundation for the modern conception of democracy are considered in a number of papers. Later, the economic effects of constitutional political institutions are explored. The various methods of distributing power in an electoral system are considered. Finally, different views of federalism and institutional competition are considered. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Niclas Berggren holds a doctorate in economics and is a research fellow in constitutional economics at the City University of Stockholm. He has written several articles on constitutional issues and economics.

Nils Karlson holds a doctorate in political science and is a member of the faculty of the City University of Stockholm. He is the editor of Can the Present Problems of Mature Welfare States Such as Sweden Be Solved? Joakim Nergelius is an associate professor of law at Lund University.