Core ideas
The Constitution expresses a political vision through values including justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. Its provisions and institutions should be read together: rights protect individuals, democratic procedures enable participation and constitutional principles guide public power. Interpretations can involve debate about how values apply when they appear to conflict.
Key concepts
justice; liberty; equality; fraternity; constitutionalism
When answering, distinguish the constitutional rule, the institution applying it and the evidence in a case or example.
Practice
- How can constitutional values guide decisions when two important rights or goals appear to conflict?
- Explain one reason the concept matters in a constitutional democracy.
- Give one example of a tension or trade-off that institutions must resolve.