Statualità e costituzione nel processo di integrazione sovranazionale. A proposito dei «due tempi» del costituzionalismo nel Novecento

The essay deals with the doctrine of constitutionalism in a historical perspective. Examining the features of this doctrine and how it influenced the state’s evolutionary process in Europe, the “two times” of constitutionalism in the Twentieth century are deeply analysed. More specifically, the aim is to explore how the functions performed by the constitutions have changed. In the constitutional state, constitutions organize state-society relations and they have to govern and enforce the openness of the state towards the supranational dimension. In conclusion, three case studies are briefly discussed, to evaluate whether and how the European supranational dimension may help in protecting the essential core of the constitutional state, in particular strengthening fundamental rights and representative democracy.