In Principles of a Normative Constitution, Ruichong Xu presents a bold and timely reimagining of constitutional legitimacy—not as a matter of mere democratic consent, but as a state’s moral duty to foster human flourishing. Through a compelling mix of constitutional theory and comparative analysis of five influential systems—China, the U.S., Russia, Germany, and the U.K.—Xu explores essential pillars such as human dignity, the rule of law, separation of powers, and constitutional litigation. With powerful reflections on historical failures like China’s Cultural Revolution and North Korea’s famine, the book argues that only by designing institutions that prioritize the self-actualization of each citizen can a state claim true legitimacy. Bridging philosophy, political science, and constitutional law, Xu offers a rigorous, fresh framework for scholars, policymakers, and anyone invested in the future of governance and justice. A must-read for those seeking deeper answers to why states exist—and how they ought to serve.
About the Book
In Principles of a Normative Constitution, Ruichong Xu presents a bold and timely reimagining of constitutional legitimacy—not as a matter of mere democratic consent, but as a state’s moral duty to foster human flourishing. Through a compelling mix of constitutional theory and comparative analysis of five influential systems—China, the U.S., Russia, Germany, and the U.K.—Xu explores essential pillars such as human dignity, the rule of law, separation of powers, and constitutional litigation. With powerful reflections on historical failures like China’s Cultural Revolution and North Korea’s famine, the book argues that only by designing institutions that prioritize the self-actualization of each citizen can a state claim true legitimacy. Bridging philosophy, political science, and constitutional law, Xu offers a rigorous, fresh framework for scholars, policymakers, and anyone invested in the future of governance and justice. A must-read for those seeking deeper answers to why states exist—and how they ought to serve.