Constituent Power: A History

Constituent power has been a key concept for thinking about the principle of popular power, offering an alternative understanding of the power of the people to those offered by ideas of sovereignty. Lucia Rubinelli's book explores the history of constituent power across five key moments, arguing that it resulted in different institutional structures and why contemporary political thought is prone to conflating it with sovereignty.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 278 pages
Publication date: 02 March 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Constituent power has been a central concept in understanding the principle of popular power and its realization through the state and its institutions since the French Revolution. In her book, "Constituent Power: A History," Lucia Rubinelli explores the history of this concept across five key moments: the French Revolution, nineteenth-century French politics, the Weimar Republic, post-WWII constitutionalism, and political philosophy in the 1960s. Through a detailed reconstruction and examination of these historical periods, Rubinelli argues that constituent power offered a distinct understanding of the power of the people compared to traditional notions of sovereignty.

One of the key insights of "Constituent Power" is that constituent power has been a dynamic and evolving concept throughout history. At different times and in different contexts, it has taken on different meanings and forms. For example, during the French Revolution, constituent power was seen as a means of empowering the people and ensuring their participation in the political process. In contrast, in nineteenth-century French politics, it was associated with the idea of popular sovereignty, which emphasized the people's right to self-determination.

Rubinelli also examines how these competing understandings of popular power have resulted in different institutional structures. For instance, during the Weimar Republic, Germany experienced a period of political instability and social unrest due to the competing claims of different political factions over the interpretation of the constitution and the exercise of constituent power. This led to the emergence of a hybrid system of government that combined elements of democracy and authoritarianism.

In contemporary political thought, there is a tendency to conflate constituent power with sovereignty, which can lead to misunderstandings and misconstructions of the concept. Rubinelli argues that it is important to distinguish between the two, as they represent different understandings of popular power. Constituent power refers to the power of the people to participate in the political process and to influence the decisions of the state. It emphasizes the importance of representation, democracy, and the rule of law. On the other hand, sovereignty refers to the ultimate authority of the state to make decisions and enforce laws. It emphasizes the importance of the state's ability to maintain order and stability.

"Constituent Power: A History" is a valuable contribution to the study of political power and democracy. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the history of constituent power and its implications for contemporary political thought. By exploring the different historical periods and the competing understandings of popular power, Rubinelli offers a valuable framework for analyzing and evaluating the role of the people in the political process.

In conclusion, "Constituent Power: A History" is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the principle of popular power and its historical development. Through a detailed reconstruction and examination of the history of constituent power, Lucia Rubinelli offers a fresh and insightful perspective on this critical concept. By distinguishing between constituent power and sovereignty, she provides a valuable framework for analyzing and evaluating the role of the people in the political process. This book is a valuable contribution to the study of political power and democracy and will be of interest to scholars, policymakers, and anyone who is concerned with the future of democracy and the role of the people in shaping it.

Weight: 412g
Dimension: 228 x 153 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108707138