Constitutional design (on the beauty and aesthetics of constitutions)

Introduction: this article aims to comprehend, explore and describe Constitutional Design as a phenomenon of constitutional theory and practice in terms of its usage as a criterion for assessing the aesthetics, beauty and topology of constitutions, as well as the tools of legal linguistics and legal writing. Analyzing different points of view on this matter, the author makes conclusions not only with regard to the usefulness of the concept of Constitutional Design in constitutional and legal practice, text structuring, articulation and prioritization of specific constitutional content but also concerning the features of Constitutional Design - its nature, roots and sources, constitutional customs and traditions of different countries throughout their history and statehood development. The author pays special attention to the evolution of constitutional design as such, constitutional and legal thought, their dependence on profound changes in the course of development of the society, law, and culture. Purpose: to develop a thorough understanding of constitutional design, its content, and applicability to the constitutional theory based on the analysis of scientific sources, practice of constitution-drafting and modeling, texts of constitutions, and other constitutional and legal provisions. Methods: in the course of this empirical study, the author uses methods of comparative analysis, classifies and interprets historical data, and uses a system approach to draw conclusions regarding the importance of Constitutional Design in constitutional theory and practice. Results: it has been proven that in the constitution-making process every society relies upon various techniques and principles of Constitutional Design, peculiar to it or borrowed. However, Constitutional Design structures are not rigid, their content is subject to continuous rethinking and amendment. Substantiating the importance of Constitutional Design to the state and society, the author develops a set of criteria for the analysis of Constitutional Design, in particular its dependence on political and cultural values of the state and society, the need to establish linkages between political views, ideas, political culture, government and social institutions, to develop an institutional framework conducive to the attainment of social welfare goals, etc. Conclusions: comparative legal analysis of different countries ’ constitutional texts has revealed both significant differences between constitutional concepts and borrowings of various approaches and even wordings by constitution designers - i. e. migration of constitutional ideas. At the same time, Constitutional Design is an attribute and integral part of constitutionalism. Therefore, developing ways to gain a better understanding of this process facilitates clearer expression of the constitutional and legal thought, underpins the legal beauty and aesthetics of the structure of law, helps to reflect the people’s historical experience and current status of the state, to present the vision by the state of its future development.