The word "constitutionalise" is spelled with a combination of letters that can be tricky to decipher. To break it down phonetically, it is pronounced kɒnstɪtjuːʃ(ə)n(ə)laɪz, with emphasis on the second syllable. The "tj" sound represents the "ch" sound, while the "ise" at the end signals the British spelling, which is more commonly spelled "constitutionalize" in American English. This word means to give a constitutional character to something, such as a system or government.
The term "constitutionalize" refers to the process or act of incorporating or establishing something within the framework of a constitution. It involves giving a constitutional status or character to an entity, practice, principle, or set of rules.
In the legal and political arena, to constitutionalize means to embed a particular provision, right, or concept into a nation's constitution. This act often requires an amendment to be made in order to ensure that the said provision or concept holds legal significance and binding force. Constitutionalization guarantees that the subject matter becomes an integral part of the constitutional fabric and thus gains a higher level of legal protection and legitimacy.
This term is commonly used to describe the transformation of certain ideas or functions into constitutional law. It is often utilized to emphasize the importance of a particular principle or safeguard, highlighting its sacrosanct nature within a constitutional order. Constitutionalizing can also be seen as an attempt to institutionalize values and norms, ensuring their permanence and stability within a legal system.
Moreover, constitutionalizing can occur at both the domestic and international levels. At a national level, it can mean transforming a political commitment or social practice into constitutional text. At an international level, it can refer to the incorporation of treaties and conventions into the national constitution, thereby binding the country to international human rights standards.
Overall, constitutionalizing involves the act of codifying and entrenching a provision or concept into a constitution, imbuing it with legal authority, and securing its indispensability within a legal system.
The etymology of the word "constitutionalise" is derived from the combination of two elements: "constitutional" and the suffix "-ise" (or "-ize" in American English).
1. Constitutional: The word "constitutional" comes from the noun "constitution", which refers to a set of fundamental principles or laws that govern a nation or organization. The term "constitution" can be traced back to Latin, where "constitutio" meant "establishing, settling, or arrangement". In English, it dates back to the late Middle English period.
2. -ise (or -ize): The suffix "-ise" or "-ize" is a common English verbal suffix that is used to indicate the process of making, causing, or becoming something. It is borrowed from the Greek suffix "-izein" or "-izo", often used to form verbs.