Conservatism

Asanga Welikala

doi:10.1017/9781009277778.022

Conservatism

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter (peer-reviewed) › peer-review

Abstract

The British constitution is typically seen as not only a unique, but a uniquely conservative, set of political arrangements among the constitutions of the world. This characterisation stems from the constitution’s pre-modern origins and continuity over time, and its unwritten, traditional, and organic nature. This historical experience has been far from free of crises, fundamental changes (and reversals), or violent conflict. But the distinguishing feature of British constitutional history is the absence of a modern moment of revolutionary rupture, marking the shift of the state’s foundations from traditional rule to constitutional modernity and documentary constitutionalism.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	The Cambridge Constitutional History of the United Kingdom
Subtitle of host publication	Volume 1. Exploring the Constitution
Editors	Peter Cane, Harshan Kumarasingham
Publisher	Cambridge University Press
Chapter	18
Pages	457-479
Number of pages	23
ISBN (Electronic)	9781009277778
ISBN (Print)	9781009277754
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009277778.022
Publication status	Published - 17 Aug 2023

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

British constitution
conservatism
constitutionalism
constitutional ideology
constitutional incrementalism
European Enlightenment

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10.1017/9781009277778.022

Cite this

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Conservatism

Abstract

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

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Constitution and empire

Editors’ preface

The Cambridge Constitutional History of the United Kingdom: Volume 1. Exploring the Constitution

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