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Constitutional government: meaning, definitions and examples

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constitutional government

[ ˌkɒnstɪˈtjuːʃ(ə)n(ə)l ˈɡʌv(ə)nm(ə)nt ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

politics

A constitutional government is a system of government in which the limits of political authority are clearly defined by a constitution. This type of government is characterized by the separation of powers, checks and balances, and the rule of law.

Synonyms

democratic government, limited government, republican government.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
constitutional government	Refers broadly to a government that operates under a constitution, outlining the structure, functions, and limits of the government. It’s used in academic and formal discussions about political systems that adhere to a foundational legal document. Many modern nations operate under a constitutional government to ensure a balance of power. The constitutional government provided a clear separation of powers among the branches of government.
democratic government	Emphasizes a system of government where power is derived from the people, often through elected representatives. Used when discussing political systems that prioritize the will and participation of the citizenry. In a democratic government, every citizen has the right to vote and express their opinion. The country transitioned to a democratic government after years of authoritarian rule.
republican government	Describes a government where representatives are elected to serve the interests of the people, often used in the context of country’s political ideology and heritage, particularly in the United States. Note that Republican with a capital 'R' refers to one of the major political parties in the U.S. The Founding Fathers established a republican government to avoid the pitfalls of direct democracy. In a republican government, elected officials are accountable to the people who elect them.
limited government	Focuses on the limitations placed on government powers, often to protect individual freedoms and prevent abuses of power. Typically used in discussions about checks and balances and the prevention of governmental overreach. The principle of limited government is central to the U.S. Constitution. Advocates of limited government argue that it’s essential to protect individual liberties.

Examples of usage

The United States is known for its constitutional government, with power divided between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
Many modern democracies operate under a constitutional government, ensuring that the rights of citizens are protected.
In a constitutional government, the constitution serves as the supreme law of the land, guiding the actions of government officials.

Translations

Translations of the word "constitutional government" in other languages:

🇵🇹 governo constitucional

🇮🇳 संवैधानिक सरकार

🇩🇪 verfassungsmäßige Regierung

🇮🇩 pemerintahan konstitusional

🇺🇦 конституційний уряд

🇵🇱 rząd konstytucyjny

🇯🇵 立憲政府

🇫🇷 gouvernement constitutionnel

🇪🇸 gobierno constitucional

🇹🇷 anayasal hükümet

🇰🇷 헌법 정부

🇸🇦 حكومة دستورية

🇨🇿 ústavní vláda

🇸🇰 ústavná vláda

🇨🇳 宪政政府

🇸🇮 ustavna vlada

🇮🇸 stjórnarskrárbundin ríkisstjórn

🇰🇿 конституциялық үкімет

🇬🇪 კონსტიტუციური მთავრობა

🇦🇿 konstitusion hökumət

🇲🇽 gobierno constitucional

Etymology

The concept of constitutional government can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Greece and Rome, where written laws and systems of government were established to prevent tyranny and promote the rule of law. Over time, the idea evolved and influenced the development of modern democratic systems, with many countries adopting constitutions to protect the rights and freedoms of their citizens.