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' and 'der Rechtsstaat' often go together, but they mean different things. 'Demokratie' says that the people have influence on the government through elections and political participation. 'Rechtsstaat' says that the state itself is bound by laws and that courts protect citizens from arbitrary power. Learners may confuse the words because modern democratic states are often also constitutional states. As a guide: 'Demokratie' is about elections and political power, while 'Rechtsstaat' is about laws, rights, and control of the state.
Ein Rechtsstaat schützt die Bürger, wenn eine Behörde falsch handelt.
A constitutional state protects citizens when an authority acts wrongly.
Im Unterricht erklärt das Team, warum freie Wahlen für die Demokratie wichtig sind.
In class, the team explains why free elections are important for democracy.