Can new constitutions tighten the reins? The effect of constitutional change on constitutional compliance

Katarzyna Metelska-Szaniawska (University of Warsaw)
Jerg Gutmann (University of Hamburg)
Stefan Voigt (University of Hamburg)

Abstract

In this paper, we ask whether constitutional change induces better compliance with the constitution. Using an event study design to analyze constitutional changes in 175 countries since 1900, we find that passing new constitutions improves compliance with the constitution overall as well as in different dimensions of constitutional rules. Mere amendments, however, have no significant effect. New constitutions are complied with more, although they tend to include more constraints on the government.

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