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Single Idea 22796
[filed under theme 24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 3. Constitutions
]
Full Idea
The constitution of a nation must embody the nation's feeling for its rights and present condition.
Gist of Idea
A constitution embodies a nation's rights and condition
Source
Georg W.F.Hegel (Elements of the Philosophy of Right [1821], 274 add)
Book Ref
Hegel,Georg W.F.: 'Elements of the Philosophy of Right', ed/tr. Wood,Allen W. [CUP 1991], p.313
A Reaction
Most constitutions also specify the institutions needed to maintain its principles and values. If it specifies its 'present' condition, that is a licence to change it from time to time. Hegel endorses such flexibility.
The
21 ideas
with the same theme
[formal statement of a society's structure and rights]:
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21046
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The aim of legislators, and of a good constitution, is to create good citizens
[Aristotle]
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22546
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A city is a community of free people, and the constitution should aim at the common advantage
[Aristotle]
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2821
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The six constitutions are monarchy/tyranny, aristocracy/oligarchy, and polity/democracy
[Aristotle]
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22558
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Constitutions specify distribution of offices, the authorities, and the community's aim
[Aristotle]
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22566
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The greed of the rich is more destructive than the greed of the people
[Aristotle]
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2835
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Any constitution can be made to last for a day or two
[Aristotle]
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2973
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We must decide the most desirable human life before designing a constitution
[Aristotle]
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22580
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The best constitution enables everyone to live the best life
[Aristotle]
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5852
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The four constitutions are democracy (freedom), oligarchy (wealth), aristocracy (custom), tyranny (security)
[Aristotle]
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1781
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Stoics favour a mixture of democracy, monarchy and aristocracy
[Stoic school, by Diog. Laertius]
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6309
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The principle foundations of all states are good laws and good armies
[Machiavelli]
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21091
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It would be absurd if even a free constitution did not impose restraints, for the public good
[Hume]
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23261
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A people, not government, creates a constitution, which is essential for legitimacy
[Paine]
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21077
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Each nation should, from self-interest, join an international security constitution
[Kant]
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21078
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A constitution must always be improved when necessary
[Kant]
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19861
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There is only a constitution if rights are assured, and separation of powers defined
[Mirabeau/committee]
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22796
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A constitution embodies a nation's rights and condition
[Hegel]
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22675
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In American judges rule according to the Constitution, not the law
[Tocqueville]
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18294
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The state coldly claims that it is the people, but that is a lie
[Nietzsche]
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21034
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A just constitution harmonises the different freedoms
[Sandel]
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21037
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A ratified constitution may not be a just constitution
[Sandel]
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