Refers to the principle of strict adherence to law or the quality of being constitutional. Often used in political or legal contexts.
The constitutionality of the policy was disputed in court.
He is a politician who values legalism.
法治主義 emphasizes rule of law as a broader governance principle, while 合法主義 focuses on legality or constitutionality of specific acts.
合法性 is the quality of being legal, often used in everyday contexts; 合法主義 is more ideological, referring to a principle or doctrine.
Compound of 合法 (legal) + 主義 (principle, doctrine).