Social Capital, Institutional Rules, and Constitutional Amendment Rates

William D. Blake, Joseph Francesco Cozza, David A. Armstrong and Amanda Friesen

American Political Science Review, 2024, vol. 118, issue 2, 1075-1083

Abstract: Why are some constitutions amended more frequently than others? The literature provides few clear answers, as some scholars focus on institutional factors, whereas others emphasize amendment culture. We bridge this divide with new theoretical and empirical insights. Using data from democratic constitutions worldwide and U.S. state constitutions, we examine how social capital reduces the transaction costs imposed by amendment rules. The results indicate that constitutional rigidity decreases amendment frequency, but group membership, civic activism, and political trust can offset the effect of amendment rules. Our findings have important implications for scholars in public law, constitutional and democratic theory, and social movements.

Date: 2024
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