How do you define "constitutional democracy"?


Quick Answer

Constitutional democracy is a system of government in which the limits of political authority are clearly stated and the electorate has the power to remove poor performing governments. Countries that adhere to the political system of a constitution democracy usually have a legal framework, such as a constitution, by which to rule over the country. The United States is an example of a country with a constitutional democracy.

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How do you define "constitutional democracy"?
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Full Answer

Countries that follow a constitutional democracy tend to have stable political systems. In addition to the U.S., Great Britain, Ireland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are all constitutional democracies. Not all of these countries have a written constitution, but there are limits to the power that the government can have.

Another main objective of a constitution or similar legal agreement is to offer an inclusive political system. Checks and balances are in place to ensure that the different branches of government remain as independent as possible from each other, while the opposition helps to keep the ruling party honest. Also, citizens play an important role in a constitutional democracy as they have the power to elect and remove governments by the will of the majority. Elected politicians are representatives of the people who voted for them, and also those who didn't support them, so they have to be accountable for their actions.

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