Constitutional Law, Politics Of

Constitutions provide an ultimate statement regarding a political community. They define not only the [Page 265]institutions of the political system but also the purpose and character of the polity itself. However, aside from that general perception, universal generalizations about constitutions are difficult to identify and express. Given the numerous constitutional systems of the past and present, constitutionalism itself is varied and at times subjective. Examples of ancient constitutions, especially of the Greek city-states as evaluated by Aristotle (384–322 BCE), offer testimony to their enduring and universal significance. Nonetheless, the importance of this field has become particularly relevant to the modern world.