Includes bibliographical references (pages 377-378) and index.

The origins and transformation of the concept of the constitution -- Conditions for emergence and effectiveness of modern constitutionalism -- Basic rights in the formative era of modern society -- The concept of constitutionalism in historical perspective -- The function of constitutions and guidelines for constitutional reform -- Integration by constitution -- Fundamental rights in the interpretation of the German Constitutional Court -- Return to the traditional understanding of fundamental rights? -- Constitutions, constitutional courts, and constitutional interpretation at the interface of law and politics -- Constitutional adjudication and democracy -- The future of constitutionalism -- Can democracy by bargaining be constitutionalized? -- The role of national constitutions in a united Europe -- The democratic costs of constitutionalization : the European case -- The constitution in the process of de-nationalization -- Societal constitutionalism : compensation for the decline in the importance of the state constitution? -- Levels of the rule of law : on the possibility of exporting a Western achievement -- The achievement of constitutionalism and its prospects in a changed world.