What is the Difference Between Constitutional and Nonconstitutional Governments?

The main difference between constitutional and nonconstitutional governments lies in the presence and adherence to a written constitution that outlines the laws, rights, and responsibilities of the government and its citizens.

Constitutional Governments:

Governments that are elected by a due process and by the people of the country.
Rule according to the provisions of the constitution, which limits their power.
Citizens have rights and protections enshrined in the constitution.
Examples include the United States (federal republic, representative democracy) and Canada (federal parliamentary democracy, constitutional monarchy).

Nonconstitutional Governments:

Lack a constitution or have a constitution that is not effectively enforced.
Rulers have unlimited powers and cannot be removed from their offices by peaceful or legal means.
Citizens have fewer rights and protections, as the government's actions and decisions are made arbitrarily at the discretion of the rulers.
Examples include military dictatorships, absolute monarchies, totalitarian governments, and authoritarian governments.

In summary, constitutional governments are characterized by the presence and adherence to a written constitution, which limits the power of the government and provides rights and protections for citizens. On the other hand, nonconstitutional governments lack a constitution or have a constitution that is not effectively enforced, resulting in unlimited power for the rulers and fewer rights for citizens.

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What is the Difference Between Constitutional and Nonconstitutional Governments?

Comparative Table: Constitutional vs Nonconstitutional Governments

Here is a table highlighting the differences between constitutional and nonconstitutional governments:

Feature	Constitutional Governments	Nonconstitutional Governments
Definition	Governments that are elected by the people and governed by a written constitution.	Governments where rulers have unlimited powers and cannot be removed from their offices by peaceful or legal means.
Ruler's Power	Limited by the constitution, and they cannot misuse the powers granted to them.	Rulers have unlimited powers, and their word is the law of the land.
Examples	United States, United Kingdom.	Monarchies (e.g., kings rule the country) and dictatorships.
Democracy	Constitutional governments are often associated with democracy, where political parties are key institutions.	Nonconstitutional governments may lack democratic elements, as the rulers remain in power for as long as they desire.
Power Distribution	Constitutional governments distribute power among several state institutions, controlling the power by its distribution.	The power is concentrated in the hands of the rulers or a small group of people.
Succession	Succession is determined by a legal instrument or a set of fixed norms or principles.	Succession is determined by the rulers or a small group of people.

In summary, constitutional governments are elected by the people and governed by a written constitution, while nonconstitutional governments have rulers with unlimited powers and the word of the rulers is the law of the land. Constitutional governments often have democratic elements and distribute power among several institutions, whereas nonconstitutional governments may lack democratic elements and concentrate power in the hands of the rulers or a small group of people.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.