Principles of a Normative Constitution

What makes a constitution truly “good”? What essential ideas and principles should such a constitution embrace? In Principles of a Normative Constitution, Ruichong Xu embarks on an insightful exploration of what a “good” constitution should look like.

Xu challenges conventional ideas, arguing that promoting citizens’ flourishing is the ultimate source of state legitimacy and advocating for constitutional frameworks that are both morally justifed based on human flourishing and e­ffective in practice.

The book examines key principles such as human dignity, constitutionalism, human rights, separation of powers, the rule of law, democracy, and the constitutional litigation system. By including lessons from history, including China’s tumultuous Cultural Revolution and the 1990s North Korean famine, and a comparative study on constitutional systems of different countries, particularly the People’s Republic of China, the United States, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Russian Federation, and the United Kingdom, the book offers a broader perspective and provides important insights as to how “good” constitutional order and institutions should be designed.

Whether you’re a student of law, politics, or philosophy, a policymaker, or simply a curious reader, Principles of a Normative Constitution will inspire you to rethink the role of governance in fostering a better society and have a clearer vision as to what a good constitution and a good state system should look like.