Constitutionalist

A **constitutionalist** is an individual who adheres to and upholds the principles, rules, and practices of a constitution. This encompasses a belief in the importance of limited government, the protection of individual rights and liberties as enshrined in the constitution, and the rule of law. A constitutionalist typically advocates for strict adherence to the constitutional text, often with an emphasis on original intent or a textualist interpretation. They are wary of governmental overreach and prioritize safeguarding the constitutional framework from erosion through both legislative and executive actions. Furthermore, they frequently champion the principles of separation of powers, checks and balances, and judicial review as essential components of a just and stable government.

Constitutionalist meaning with examples

• As a staunch constitutionalist, Senator Thompson consistently voted against bills he believed exceeded the powers granted to the federal government by the Constitution. He argued that these measures infringed upon states' rights and individual freedoms, core principles he felt compelled to defend.
• The judge, a dedicated constitutionalist, based her decisions on the established legal precedents and a rigorous interpretation of the constitutional text. She carefully considered the potential impact of her rulings on civil liberties and individual rights.
• During the heated political debate, the pundit described the opposing candidate as not a true constitutionalist because his policies seemed to circumvent the limits set forth in the Constitution.
• A political activist organized a grassroots campaign advocating for the rights of the people as laid out by the constitutionalist principles of America, stressing their vital role in preserving freedom.
• The organization was created by various experts to ensure a solid base of constitutionalist leadership was established in the region to further its own specific cause.