The eleven essays in this volume, supplemented by an editorial introduction, centre around three overlapping problems. First, why would a society want to limit its own sovereign power by imposing constitutional constraints on democratic decision-making? Second, what are the contributions of democracy and constitutions to efficient government? Third, what are the relations among democracy, constitutionalism, and private property? This comprehensive discussion of the problems inherent in constitutional democracy will be of interest to students in a variety of social sciences. It illuminates particularly the current efforts of many countries, especially in Latin America, to establish stable democratic regimes.

"This book provides a needed candid eye; it combines theoretical reach and historical perspective; it is at once timely and topical. It will prove valuable to all those who are looking at the problems of democracy anywhere in today's world." Choice

"The esays in this volume touch on all fields, are of a high quality, and thus afford a compendious review of the rather high state of the art of constitutional theory." Ethics