The Endurance of National Constitutions [Hardcover]

Based on original historical data, this book shows that key changes in design can extend constitutional life.Why is it that some constitutions endure while others do not? In The Endurance of National Constitutions, Zachary Elkins, Tom Ginsburg, and James Melton examine the causes of constitutional endurance. The authors show that key changes in the design of a constitution can extend its life significantly.Why is it that some constitutions endure while others do not? In The Endurance of National Constitutions, Zachary Elkins, Tom Ginsburg, and James Melton examine the causes of constitutional endurance. The authors show that key changes in the design of a constitution can extend its life significantly.Constitutions are supposed to provide an enduring structure for politics. Yet only half live more than nineteen years. Why is it that some constitutions endure while others do not? In The Endurance of National Constitutions, Zachary Elkins, Tom Ginsburg, and James Melton examine the causes of constitutional endurance from an institutional perspective. Supported by an original set of cross-national historical data, theirs is the first comprehensive study of constitutional mortality. They show that whereas constitutions are imperiled by social and political crises, certain aspects of a constitutions design can lower the risk of death substantially. Thus, to the extent that endurance is desirable  a question that the authors also subject to scrutiny  the decisions of founders take on added importance.1. Introduction; 2. How long should constitutions endure?; 3. Conceptualizing constitutions; 4. A positive theory of constitutional endurance; 5. Empirical implications of the theory: identifying risks to constitutional life; 6. An epidemiological analysis of constitutional mortality; 7. Contrasts in constitutional endurance; 8. Contexts of chronic failure; 9. Conclusion.This book had the same effect on me as reading Goran Therborns 1977 New Left Review paper on the histlCÔ