What is Constitutionalism?

Constitutionalism refers to the principle that government authority is not arbitrary but is instead derived from and limited by a body of fundamental law, typically encapsulated in a constitution. This means that the powers of government are defined and restricted by legal frameworks to protect individual rights and maintain order.

This concept underscores the importance of the rule of law, which ensures that the government operates within the constraints laid out by the constitution, thereby promoting a system of governance where individual liberties are respected and the powers of government are clearly delineated.

The other options present concepts that conflict with the essence of constitutionalism. For instance, the belief that government should be led by a single ruler aligns more with authoritarianism than the democratic ideals inherent in constitutionalism. The promotion of absolute monarchy contradicts the limitations placed on government authority that are central to constitutional governance. Lastly, framing constitutionalism merely as a strategy for governmental reform lacks the fundamental legal basis that underlines the concept.