constitutional rule

USAGE SUMMARY

"constitutional rule" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used in the context of political and legal systems, to refer to rules established in a legal document such as a constitution. For example, "The constitutional rule of the United States states that all citizens have the right to vote."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the view of the Denver court the Dickerson ruling, giving the Miranda decision the standing of a "constitutional" rule, also swept aside two Supreme Court rulings of 1974 and 1985.

The Economist

It's not a constitutional rule.

The New Yorker

It says: "These decisions illustrate the principle not that Miranda is not a constitutional rule but that no constitutional rule is immutable.

The New York Times

After carrying out reforms, they would consent to return the nation to constitutional rule.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We conclude that Miranda announced a constitutional rule that Congress may not supersede legislatively.

The New York Times

His continued constitutional rule offers Indonesia its best hope for a peaceful and prosperous future.

The New York Times

Yet by relinquishing the presidency, Mandela set a constitutional rule for the future.

The Guardian

He will lead a temporary government that aims to organize elections and guide the country back to constitutional rule.

The New York Times

He had met India's prime minister, Manmohan Singh, and promised an early "road map" back to constitutional rule.

The Economist

Constitutional rule should be King Abdullah's goal, but continuing his father's civilised, intelligent conduct would be a splendid start.

The Economist

Burundi's neighbours then slapped on a trade embargo to try to force Burundi back to constitutional rule.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "constitutional rule" when discussing the framework of governance established by a constitution, especially in political or legal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "constitutional rule" interchangeably with terms like "constitutional law" or "constitutional government". "Constitutional rule" refers specifically to the practice of governing according to constitutional principles, not merely the existence of a constitution or laws derived from it.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "constitutional rule" is that of a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific type of governance or legal framework. This aligns with the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "constitutional rule" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes a system of governance based on a constitution. As Ludwig's analysis confirms, it is primarily used in neutral and formal contexts, such as news reports and academic discussions. When writing about political systems or legal frameworks, using "constitutional rule" accurately conveys the idea of governance according to established constitutional principles. Understanding its proper usage helps avoid confusion with related terms like "constitutional law" or "constitutional government". The presence of numerous examples across diverse sources attests to the phrase's widespread acceptance and relevance. The semantic alternatives provided can offer alternative ways to express governance principles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rule of constitutional law

Emphasizes the legal aspect and the adherence to established constitutional principles.

constitutional government

Focuses on the form of government established by a constitution.

constitutional governance

Highlights the process and system of governing according to constitutional principles.

constitutional system

Refers to the overall framework established by a constitution.

principled constitutionalism

Implies a strong adherence to constitutional ideals and values.

lawful constitutionalism

Highlights the legality and legitimacy of constitutional practices.

constitutional order

Refers to the structured and organized system established by a constitution.

adherence to constitutional principles

Stresses the importance of following the doctrines within the constitution.

respect for constitutional norms

Emphasizes the cultural and societal acceptance of constitutional practices.

upholding constitutional mandates

Focuses on fulfilling the requirements and directives set forth by a constitution.

FAQs

How is "constitutional rule" different from "constitutional law"?

"Constitutional rule" refers to the actual practice of governing according to a constitution's principles, while "constitutional law" is the body of legal precedents and interpretations related to that constitution. One is the system in action, the other is the legal theory.

What does it mean to restore "constitutional rule" in a country?

To restore "constitutional rule" means to return a country's governance to a system where the constitution is the supreme law and is actively followed, often after a period of authoritarianism or military junta.

Can you provide an example of a country transitioning to "constitutional rule"?

Many countries emerging from dictatorships or periods of political instability aim to transition to "constitutional rule". For example, after periods of military rule, nations often hold elections and draft new constitutions to establish a framework for democratic governance.

What are some principles associated with "constitutional rule"?

Key principles of "constitutional rule" include the separation of powers, protection of individual rights, the rule of law, and the accountability of government officials. It ensures that the government operates within defined legal boundaries.