Comparative Constitutional Systems
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with a comparative understanding of the historical origins, development and specific functioning of the constitutional systems of contemporary democracies.
The course will cover the main constitutional transformations in "stable democracies" (the UK, the USA, France, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, etc.) also with regard to trends of supranational integration, and examine how this democratic constitutional heritage is circulated, developed and "adapted" in countries that are culturally distant from the historical roots of constitutionalism (young, fragile and "illiberal" democracies, including EU candidate countries).
This comparative law method is combined with the teaching of historical and political contexts in keeping with the multidisciplinary nature of the degree programme.
The course will cover the main constitutional transformations in "stable democracies" (the UK, the USA, France, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, etc.) also with regard to trends of supranational integration, and examine how this democratic constitutional heritage is circulated, developed and "adapted" in countries that are culturally distant from the historical roots of constitutionalism (young, fragile and "illiberal" democracies, including EU candidate countries).
This comparative law method is combined with the teaching of historical and political contexts in keeping with the multidisciplinary nature of the degree programme.
Expected learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will have a firm grasp of the constitutional dynamics of contemporary democracies, particularly within Euro-Atlantic constitutional systems.
By taking part in classroom learning, including focused group work that encourages the independent sourcing of legislation, case law and legal doctrine, students will also learn to apply the comparative law methodology, to critically analyse the political and institutional dynamics at play in the countries studied and to explain what they have learned, both orally and in writing, using subject-specific terminology.
These skills will allow students to independently explore further constitutional arrangements in their subsequent educational and professional development, including those not directly taught during the course.
By taking part in classroom learning, including focused group work that encourages the independent sourcing of legislation, case law and legal doctrine, students will also learn to apply the comparative law methodology, to critically analyse the political and institutional dynamics at play in the countries studied and to explain what they have learned, both orally and in writing, using subject-specific terminology.
These skills will allow students to independently explore further constitutional arrangements in their subsequent educational and professional development, including those not directly taught during the course.
Lesson period: First trimester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First trimester
Course syllabus
The curriculum includes the presentation and discussion of the following topics: the historical and constitutional development of the major constitutional systems; trends in contemporary constitutionalism (the crisis of established democracies and the rise of pseudo-constitutionalism or "authoritarian" constitutionalism and the challenges posed by recurrent technological revolutions; new rights and new forms of participation); political systems and governance; constitutional courts and other forms of protection, including the struggle against anti-system parties and more advanced forms of populism.
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of the basic concepts of public law (state, law, constitution), political science (political parties, electoral systems) and contemporary history may facilitate understanding of the course content.
Teaching methods
Teaching methods differ according to the objectives to be pursued. In the first part of the course, lectures aimed at acquiring knowledge will be given, accompanied by clarifications on how to prepare for intermediate tests and study material. Subsequently, to facilitate the application of acquired knowledge, emphasis will be placed on interactive methods, such as in-class debates on the decisions of constitutional courts, institutional reforms, and other topical issues. Research will also be carried out on databases and institutional websites to facilitate the collection of material for the final paper. In-depth seminars on current topics will be held with Italian and foreign guests in attendance.
Teaching Resources
For attending students: M. Volpi, Libertà e autorità. La classificazione delle forme di Stato e delle forme di governo, 2022. Other material will be provided by the lecturer during the course.
For non-attending students: G. Cerrina Feroni, G. Morbidelli, M. Volpi, Diritto costituzionale comparato, 2024 (Chapters II to VII and IX).
For non-attending students: G. Cerrina Feroni, G. Morbidelli, M. Volpi, Diritto costituzionale comparato, 2024 (Chapters II to VII and IX).
Assessment methods and Criteria
Participating students will take a series of midterm exams and in-depth seminars to verify their level of learning during the course. The evaluation criteria will include: clarity of exposition, both written and oral, with particular attention to the use of the specific vocabulary of constitutional law; active participation in lectures, seminars and other course activities; originality in the performance of written tests. The final grade will not be based on the mere average of the marks of the individual tests, but will also reward the spirit of participation and attention shown throughout the course (with the award of 4-5 additional points). The results will be announced by the teacher in class or by e-mail within 2 weeks after the tests. Grades are expressed in thirtieths.
For non-attending students, the final exam will be oral and will focus on the study of the text indicated in the course materials.
For non-attending students, the final exam will be oral and will focus on the study of the text indicated in the course materials.
IUS/21 - COMPARATIVE PUBLIC LAW - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professor:
Di Gregorio Angela
Professor(s)
Reception:
TUESDAY, 13.30/16.30 (può variare, si prega di inviare mail per concordare)
MICROSOFT TEAMS oppure stanza 5