This book explores the historical, comparative and global dimensions of the constitutional phenomenon.
From the origins of constitutionalism to the diverse trajectories of North American and European constitutionalism, the book considers pivotal moments in the emergence and evolution of formal Constitutions as the main structure of constitutional governance.
It presents a critical inquiry into the realities that lie beneath the surface of formal constitutional documents. From the struggles for democratic governance in Latin America to Asia's delicate balance between tradition and modernity and Africa's post-colonial arrangements, the book poses a critical query: amidst the promises of democratic ideals, do formal Constitutions always translate into effective governance? What are the lessons of 'facade' Constitutions on the tension between formal documents and the realities of governance?
