Model Constitutions of Europe

Paper Code: 
POL 114
Credits: 
4
Contact Hours: 
60.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

This paper acquaints the student with major constitutions of Europe. The historical background of each constitution is to be emphasized to gain an understanding of its evolution. Furthermore the political institutions are to be studied in the light of the political process to gain an understanding of the dynamics of actual politics and policy making.

9.00
Unit I: 

Constitution of United Kingdom- Growth of the Constitution; Its Nature; The Crown- The King and the Cabinet

9.00
Unit II: 

Constitution of United Kingdom- The British Parliament; Judiciary; Local Govt.; Political Parties; Rule of Law; Delegated Legislation

9.00
Unit III: 

Constitution of Switzerland- Main Features; Swiss Legislature; Swiss Executive; Swiss Judiciary; Direct Democracy in Switzerland; Political Parties

9.00
Unit IV: 

Constitution of France- Historical Background; Nature of the Constitution; French Executive; The French Parliament; French Judiciary; Local Govt.; Political Parties

9.00
Unit V: 

Constitution of Germany-Brief Background; the Executive; the Legislature; the Judiciary; Political Parties

Essential Readings: 
  • Vishnoo Bhagwan and Vidhya Bhushan, World Constitutions, Sterling Publishers, New Delhi, 2001
  •  AC Kapur, Select Constitutions, Sultan Chand & Sons, New Delhi, 1995
  • VD Mahajan, Select Modern Governments, S. Chand & Co., New Delhi, 2001

 

References: 
  • AV Dicey, The Law of the Constitution, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1885
  • James Bryce, Modern Democracies, The Macmillan Company, New York,1921
  • Herman Finer, The Theory and Practice of Modern Government, The Dial Press, New York, 1932
  • Herman Finer, Government of Greater European Powers, Holt, University of Michigan, 1956
Academic Year: 
2018-19
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