What is the purpose of comparative constitutional law? Comparing constitutions allows us to consider the similarities and differences in forms of government, and the normative philosophies behind constitutional choices. Constitutional comparisons offer 'hermeneutic' help: they enable us to see 'our' own constitution with different eyes and to locate its structural and normative choices by references to alternatives evident in other constitutional orders. This Cambridge Companion presents readers with a succinct yet wide-ranging companion to a modern comparative constitutional law course, offering a wide-ranging yet concise introduction to the subject. Its twenty-two chapters are arranged into five thematic parts: starting with an exploration of the 'theoretical foundations' (Part I) and some important 'historical experiences' (Part II), it moves on to a discussion of the core 'constitutional principles' (Part III) and 'state institutions' (Part IV); finally it analyses forms of 'transnational' constitutionalism (Part V) that have emerged in our 'global' times.

Part I. Theoretical Foundations: 1. Comparative methodologies Ran Hirschl; 2. Constitutionalism(s) Robert Schütze; Part II. Historical Experiences: 3. The United Kingdom constitution Mark Elliott; 4. French constitutional law Denis Baranger; 5. US constitutional law Vicki C. Jackson; 6. The constitution of the Republic of India Anashri Pillay; 7. The constitution of China Qianfan Zhang; Part III. Constitutional Principles: 8. Democracy Paul Craig; 9. Separation of powers Christoph Möllers; 10. The rule of law András Sajó; 11. Human rights law Conor Gearty; 12. Federalism Raffaele Bifulco; Part IV. State Institutions: 13. Parliaments Nicola Lupo; 14. Governments Philipp Dann; 15. Administration Susan Rose-Ackerman; 16. Courts with constitutional jurisdiction Cheryl Saunders; 17. Independent fiscal institutions Cal Viney and Thomas Poole; Part V. Transnational Constitutionalism: 18. Multi-layered constitutions Roger Masterman; 19. International constitutionalism Jan Klabbers; 20. European constitutionalism Kaarlo Tuori; 21. A new Commonwealth constitutionalism? Claudia Geiringer; 22. Constitutional transplants Gábor Halmai.