Constitutional Sentiments

by Andras Sajo

Constitutions typically are conceived as products of rational thought, as grand triumphs of the mind in proposing the rules of civil order. Yet, as Andras Sajo astutely points out in this book, emotion plays a vital role in shaping behavior, and, consequently, no understanding of constitutional development will be complete without due consideration of the role played by individual and social sentiments. In other words, constitutions are written to regulate human behavior and affairs, but they do so by appealing to people's hearts and not only their minds. Drawing on current research from...