Subnational constitutionalism

Abstract

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides an up-to-date handbook on subnational or constituent state constitutions that gives a general understanding of the notion and functions of such constitutions and identifies the particularities and controversies related to subnational or state constitutional law. It defines subnational or state constitutions as basic documents for given subnational entities which lay down entrenched basic rules on subnational identity, representative structures, organization of powers, fundamental rights and/or policy principles, and require the approval of the people or representatives of the subnational entity. The book explores the forms and meaning of subnational/state constitutions in a wide range of multi-tiered systems. It explains whether the system operates in a ‘coming together’ or ‘devolving’ context, and the extent to which the country as a whole and the component SNEs are homogeneous, multicultural or multinational in nature.