Benjamin Constant: os Princípios e as Repúblicas

Abstract

The repercussion of Benjamin Constant's thought is largely due to his theoretical effort to make his political principles reducible, or applicable, to all government. These liberal principles emphasize the individuality and deep differences of uses and customs of modern life when compared to the ancient one. However, the variability of his stances has placed him in a difficult position to classify, as it is beyond liberal. It is argued in the article that Constant's political principles come from his conception of republic, and for them to be applied to monarchies, two modern institution are required: the neutral power of the king and the heredity of a legislative assembly. In this sense, Constant's theory revolves around a type of republicanism that best conciliates to the principles of politics; this republicanism resides in the junction between what Constant defined as the ancient liberty and modern liberty.