On Material Constitutional Thought

This chapter proposes a methodological approach to the study of constitutions that goes beyond the written text and jurisprudence in order to incorporate the material structure of society. It interprets the factual organization and exercise of power that is allowed and enabled by foundational institutions, rules, and procedures. It also discusses the premise of material constitutionalism on the idea that the organization of political power cannot be analyzed without taking into account political and socioeconomic power structures. The chapter establishes a constitutional ideology that stands opposed to legal positivism, formalism, and proceduralism. It traces the material approach back to Niccolò Machiavelli and distinguishes between institutionalist and critical strands.