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Single Idea 22675
[filed under theme 24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 3. Constitutions
]
Full Idea
The Americans have acknowledged the right of judges to found their decisions on the Constitution, rather than on the laws.
Gist of Idea
In American judges rule according to the Constitution, not the law
Source
Alexis de Tocqueville (Democracy in America (abr Renshaw) [1840], 1.05)
Book Ref
Tocqueville,Alexis de: 'Democracy in America (abridged)', ed/tr. Renshaw,Patrick [Wordsworth 1998], p.44
A Reaction
Obviously the Constitution is one short document, so the details must be enshrined in the laws (which presumably defer to the Constitution).
The
15 ideas
from Alexis de Tocqueville
22669
|
Aristocracy is constituted by inherited landed property
[Tocqueville]
|
22670
|
Slavery undermines the morals and energy of a society
[Tocqueville]
|
22672
|
It is admirable to elevate the humble to the level of the great, but the opposite is depraved
[Tocqueville]
|
22671
|
Equality can only be established by equal rights for all (or no rights for anyone)
[Tocqueville]
|
22674
|
In Europe it is thought that local government is best handled centrally
[Tocqueville]
|
22673
|
Wherever there is a small community, the association of the people is natural
[Tocqueville]
|
22675
|
In American judges rule according to the Constitution, not the law
[Tocqueville]
|
22678
|
An election, and its lead up time, are always a national crisis
[Tocqueville]
|
22676
|
The people are just individuals, and only present themselves as united to foreigners
[Tocqueville]
|
22679
|
Vast empires are bad for well-being and freedom, though they may promote glory
[Tocqueville]
|
22680
|
People would be much happier and freer in small nations
[Tocqueville]
|
22677
|
A monarchical family is always deeply concerned with the interests of the state
[Tocqueville]
|
22681
|
The liberty of the press is more valuable for what it prevents than what it promotes
[Tocqueville]
|
22682
|
Universal suffrage is no guarantee of wise choices
[Tocqueville]
|
22683
|
Despots like to see their own regulations ignored, by themselves and their agents
[Tocqueville]
|