constitutional state
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constitutional state
A state in which the government and administration are bound by laws and citizens are protected from arbitrary measures by independent courts. The exercise of state power is limited by the law.
Die Pressefreiheit ist eine wichtige Säule in einem demokratischen Rechtsstaat.
Freedom of the press is an important pillar in a democratic constitutional state.
The word is made up of 'das Recht' (law/right) and 'der Staat' (state). The 's' in the middle connects the two parts. A 'Rechtsstaat' is therefore literally a 'state of law'.
Deutschland ist laut Verfassung ein demokratischer und sozialer Rechtsstaat.
According to its constitution, Germany is a democratic and social constitutional state.
The word part 'Rechts-' here refers to 'das Recht' (law, justice), not to 'rechts' in the sense of 'correct' or a political direction. It is about the rule of law.
Ein Merkmal des Rechtsstaats ist, dass auch die Regierung an das Gesetz gebunden ist.
One feature of a constitutional state is that even the government is bound by the law.
The corresponding adjective is 'rechtsstaatlich'. It describes principles, procedures, or institutions that comply with the rules of the constitutional state.
Jeder Bürger hat Anspruch auf ein faires und rechtsstaatliches Verfahren.
Every citizen has the right to a fair procedure in accordance with the rule of law.
The term 'Rechtsstaat' (constitutional state) is closely connected with its basic principles. These include 'Gewaltenteilung' (separation of powers), 'unabhängige Gerichte' (independent courts), and the protection of 'Grundrechte' (fundamental rights).
Die Gewaltenteilung ist eine tragende Säule des modernen Rechtsstaats.
The separation of powers is a supporting pillar of the modern constitutional state.
democracy
Die Demokratie describes how the people exert political influence through elections and majority decisions. Der Rechtsstaat, by contrast, emphasizes that the government, the administration, and the majority are all bound by laws, and that courts protect citizens. Use Demokratie when talking about elections, and Rechtsstaat when talking about limiting state power.
In einem Rechtsstaat darf auch die Regierung nicht gegen die Gesetze handeln.
In a constitutional state, even the government may not act contrary to the law.
In einer Demokratie bestimmen die Bürger durch freie Wahlen ihre politischen Vertreter.
In a democracy, citizens choose their political representatives through free elections.
