constitutionalism

noun

con·​sti·​tu·​tion·​al·​ism ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈtü-sh(ə-)nə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce constitutionalism (audio)
-tyü-
: adherence to or government according to constitutional principles
also : a constitutional system of government
constitutionalist noun

Examples of constitutionalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But by the early seventeenth century the sovereigns of Britain, France, and elsewhere had begun to erode this medieval constitutionalism in favor of a new absolutism. Andrew Cockburn, Harper's Magazine, 20 Aug. 2024 His malign influence on American constitutionalism is with us still. Dan McLaughlin, National Review, 6 Feb. 2024 If Trump’s threat to democracy and American constitutionalism is to be defeated, the effective method would be at the ballot box. Jeffrey Boutwell, Baltimore Sun, 18 Jan. 2024 Such was the foundation of American constitutionalism and the elaborate checks and balances that defined it. TIME, 31 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for constitutionalism 

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of constitutionalism was in 1832

Dictionary Entries Near constitutionalism

Cite this Entry

“Constitutionalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constitutionalism. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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