Democracy

This chapter addresses the issue of democracy, in the context of this book on comparative constitutional law. It is readily apparent that the topic could be addressed from very different perspectives. Thus, the entire chapter could be directed towards differences between democratic and non-democratic constitutions. It might, alternatively, consider differences between constitutions within democratic polities, examining whether there are, or should be, constitutional differences that flow from different forms of democracy, or how far such differences result from the elevation of socio-economic norms to constitutional status. The chapter might have a different, more empirical, emphasis, with discussion as to the relative importance of constitutions in different countries. These are all significant issues, and each would occupy the entire chapter. They are not, however, addressed here.