Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Is an unamendable constitution undemocratic?
Position2 of 3

No, an unamendable constitution is democratic

This position holds that an unamendable constitution can be democratic. It argues fixed provisions reduce division, that voters keep the power to draft a wholly new constitution, and that — since democracy is about protecting rights, not just process — unamendability guards against a tyrant.

Supporting arguments · 4

  1. Reduces social divisions
    Unamendable constitutional elements reduce social tensions and political division.
  2. Voters keep primary constituent powers
    There is nothing stopping governments from writing a new constitution.
  3. Safeguards democracy
    An unamendable constitution protects democracy from bad political actors.
  4. Democracy is more than a process
    Democracy also involves protecting individual rights and personal freedoms. An unamendable constitution offers these protections.