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The Communitarian Constitution: Rethinking the Foundations of Liberal Democracy

Nathaniel Hawthorne

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Published in The Communitarian Constitution Beau Breslin

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The Communitarian Constitution

by Beau Breslin

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	726 KB
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Print length	:	370 pages

By Beau Breslin

Liberal democracy is in crisis. The rise of populism, nationalism, and authoritarianism around the world is a clear indication that the current system is no longer working for many people. In this article, I will argue that the root of the crisis lies in the fundamental principles of liberal democracy itself. I will then propose a new constitutional framework based on communitarian principles that I believe can address the shortcomings of liberal democracy and create a more just and equitable society.

The Shortcomings of Liberal Democracy

Liberal democracy is based on the idea that the individual is the primary unit of society. Individuals are seen as rational, self-interested beings who are capable of making their own decisions about their lives. The role of the state is to protect individual rights and freedoms and to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.

This model of society has been highly successful in promoting economic growth and individual liberty. However, it has also led to a number of problems, including:

Economic inequality: Liberal democracy has created a system in which the wealthy have been able to accumulate vast amounts of wealth and power, while the poor have been left behind. This inequality has led to social unrest and political instability.
Social isolation: Liberal democracy has also led to a decline in social cohesion. Individuals are increasingly isolated from their communities and from each other. This isolation has contributed to a rise in mental illness and other social problems.
Political polarization: Liberal democracy has also led to a rise in political polarization. Individuals are increasingly divided into opposing camps, with little common ground. This polarization has made it difficult to find common solutions to our problems.

A Communitarian Constitution

I believe that the shortcomings of liberal democracy can be addressed by adopting a new constitutional framework based on communitarian principles. Communitarianism is a philosophical tradition that emphasizes the importance of community. Communitarians believe that individuals are not isolated beings, but are instead deeply embedded in social relationships. They argue that the state should play a role in promoting community and social solidarity.

A communitarian constitution would be based on the following principles:

The common good: The common good is the good of the community as a whole. It is not simply the sum of individual goods, but rather a collective good that is greater than the sum of its parts. The state should play a role in promoting the common good by providing essential services, such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Social solidarity: Social solidarity is the feeling of unity and belonging that members of a community share. It is essential for a healthy and functioning society. The state should play a role in promoting social solidarity by supporting community organizations and initiatives.
Individual rights: Individual rights are essential for a free and democratic society. However, they must be balanced against the common good and social solidarity. The state should protect individual rights, but it should also have the power to limit those rights when necessary to protect the common good.

A communitarian constitution would be a significant departure from the current constitutional framework. However, I believe that it is necessary to address the shortcomings of liberal democracy and create a more just and equitable society.

The crisis of liberal democracy is a serious challenge to our society. However, I believe that we can overcome this challenge by adopting a new constitutional framework based on communitarian principles. A communitarian constitution would promote the common good, social solidarity, and individual rights. It would create a more just and equitable society for all.

The Communitarian Constitution

by Beau Breslin

5 out of 5