The Merits—and Risks—of Constitutional Politics

Further comments on the prospects for democratizing modern forms of government

Sanford Levinson: The participants in this symposium all join in desiring significant constitutional reform, focusing on the general rubric of “democratizing” what is now almost universally recognized to be an undemocratic political structure established by the Philadelphia Convention in 1787. As in 1787, when the mission was to supplant the “imbecilic” government ...
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The Merits—and Risks—of Constitutional Politics

Why Americans Worship the Constitution

In the last two centuries, 220 countries have appeared on the global stage and, between them, they have produced a remarkable 900 written constitutions.  The sheer numbers are telling: For the most part, societies treat their constitutions instrumentally. When these legal-political orders break down or social upheaval brings new elites and alliances ...
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Why Americans Worship the Constitution