History, Culture, Revolution, and Chinese Constitutionalism

Abstract

In this chapter, the author offers a commentary on Su Li's account of the constitution of ancient China. He discusses the importance of Su Li's research by citing the Preamble to the 1982 Constitution, which implies that the Chinese people have a “glorious revolutionary tradition”; the revolutions since the 1840s are the continuation of this tradition. He notes that the Common Program of 1949 as well as the 1954, 1975, 1978, and 1982 Constitutions all start with historical narrative. The author also addresses the issue of time in Constitutions, and describes the Chinese constitution as a historical entity with the three phases of past, present, and future. Finally, he examines the three constitutional issues that Su Li claimed were facing ancient China and which correspond to the three phrases of the Great Learning: to run one's household, govern the state, and bring peace to the world under heaven.