noun
Political principle that government authority is limited by a constitution. Used in legal and political contexts.
立憲主義は近代民主主義の基本原則の一つだ。
Constitutionalism is one of the fundamental principles of modern democracy.
法治主義 (rule of law) focuses on governance by law, while 立憲主義 specifically emphasizes limitation of power through a constitution.
Compound of 立憲 (constitutional) and 主義 (principle/doctrine). The term is a direct translation of the Western concept of constitutionalism.