Constitutionalism and the History of Political Thought

Constitutionalism and the History Political Thought offers a major reassessment of the history of constitutionalism from antiquity to the twentieth century, bringing together leading historians of political thought to reconsider one of the foundational concepts of political and legal theory. Challenging conventional narratives centred on the emergence of the modern constitutional state, the volume traces the diverse intellectual traditions that have shaped constitutional thinking across different periods, jurisdictions, and political contexts. From ancient Greece and Rome to early modern Europe, the Atlantic world, Latin America, the Ottoman Empire, and the twentieth century, its chapters explore constitutionalism as a dynamic and contested tradition. Contributors examine themes including popular sovereignty, rights, codification, constitutional design, democracy, empire, juristocracy, and the relationship between constitutionalism and the state. Engaging critically with the influential work of Charles Howard McIlwain, the collection showcases new directions in the history of political thought while highlighting the enduring relevance of constitutional ideas to contemporary scholarship. Combining broad historiographical reflection with original archival and textual research, this volume will be an essential resource for scholars and graduate students in intellectual history, political theory, constitutional law, and the history of political thought.