A constitutional government is one whose powers have been adapted to the interests of its people and to the maintenance of individual liberty. These were the only terms upon which government could be conducted among Englishmen.

1 : the quality or state of being free: a : the power to do as one pleases. b : freedom from physical restraint. c : freedom from arbitrary or despotic (see despot sense 1) control. d : the positive enjoyment of various social, political, or economic rights and privileges.

Constitutional government is defined by the existence of a constitution—which may be a legal instrument or merely a set of fixed norms or principles generally accepted as the fundamental law of the polity—that effectively controls the exercise of political power.

In a constitutional government, the government—including the monarch, the legislature, and all government officials—are bound in their actions by the law.

Features of the Indian Constitution

• The bulkiest constitution of the world.
• Rigidity and flexibility.
• Parliamentary system of government.
• Federal system with a unitary bias.
• Fundamental rights and fundamental duties.
• Directive principles of state policy.
• Secularism.
• Independent judiciary.

The main difference between constitution and constitutionalism lies in the fact that the constitution is generally a written document, created by the government (often with the participation of the civil society), while constitutionalism is a principle and a system of governance that respects the rule of law and limits …

Constitutional governments have a written document stating their laws, rights and responsibilities. It must also be limited in power, follow a higher law, and have constitutional stability. Nonconstitutional governments are dictatorships and absolute monarchies.

An unconstitutional government is one lacking a constitution. Military dictatorships and absolute monarchies are usually considered unconstitutional governments. Naturally, constitutional governments afford greater degrees of liberty, equality, and justice than unconstitutional governments.

Governments are represented abroad by their political heads of state, ambassadors, or other high-ranking leaders in diplomatic roles. These individuals represent their country’s interests on an international stage and participate in organizations such as the United Nations and NATO.

UN member states and observers

While often categorized as a democracy, the United States is more accurately defined as a constitutional federal republic.

For example, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, also known as North Korea, is widely considered a dictatorship and not a republic.

San Marino claims to be the oldest constitutional republic in the world, founded on 3 September 301, by Marinus of Rab, a Christian stonemason fleeing the religious persecution of Roman Emperor Diocletian.

San Marino

Niger

San Marino: The World’s Oldest Republic.

Japan, Italy, and Germany top the list of the world’s oldest countries—if the data are based on the share of the population ages 65 and older.

Italy (Repubblica Italiana) is a large country in southern Europe. It shares borders with Slovenia, Austria, Switzerland and France. There are also two small countries within Italy: San Marino and the Vatican City (Holy See).

Portugal

Plovdiv