Librería Portfolio

Reviews and updates the idea of constitutionalism in light of the European Union´s legal system
Bridges the gap between political theory and empirical political science approaches to constitutional design by offering a new model of constitutional rule
Underscores the relevance of political theory in the realm of global governance, and vice versa
Examines recent EU treaty changes and contemporary developments, including the financial crisis
Provides a useful overview for graduate students and researchers with a critical assessment of EU freedom of movement and citizenship law




Constitutionalism has become a byword for legitimate government, but is it fated to lose its relevance as constitutional states relinquish power to international institutions? This book evaluates the extent to which constitutionalism, as an empirical idea and normative ideal, can be adapted to institutions beyond the state by surveying the sophisticated legal and political system of the European Union. Having originated in a series of agreements between states, the EU has acquired important constitutional features like judicial review, protections for individual rights, and a hierarchy of norms. Nonetheless, it confounds traditional models of constitutional rule to the extent that its claim to authority rests on the promise of economic prosperity and technocratic competence rather than on the democratic will of citizens.

Critically appraising the European Union and its legal system, this book proposes the idea of ´functional constitutionalism´ to describe this distinctive configuration of public power. Although the EU is the most advanced instance of functional constitutionalism to date, understanding this pragmatic mode of constitutional authority is essential for assessing contemporary international economic governance.



Table of Contents

Introduction: Constitutionalism Beyond the State: Assessing the Stakes
1:The Trilemma of Constitutional Authority
2:The Theory of Functional Constitutionalism
3:Market Freedoms and Human Rights
4:Law, Democracy, and Citizenship in the European Union
5:Free Movement: A Citizenship of Aliens
6:The Non-discrimination Principle: Unbounding the State
Conclusion: The EU Without Illusions