constitutionalism

[Eng.constitutional; -ism.] The theory or principles on which a constitution is based. "The aim of this form of government is to keep a middle path, so as to annihilate despotism and slavery on the one hand, and, on the other, to arrest the development of democratic ideas. Such is evidently the principle of con stitutionalism , ii. 30. ist .] ."-S. Edwards: Polish Captivity,