FLEXIBILITY OF CONSTITUTIONS AS A FACTOR OF POLITICAL STABILITY. THE CASE OF WESTERN BALKANS STATES

Abstract

This paper elaborates on the relationship between the political system's stability and a constitution's
flexibility. Using the comparative constitutionalism perspective, one can find some background
assumptions underlying political system mechanisms. The core of the constitutional
system is made of political elements manifested in the Preamble and legal elements, which are
to be found in the body of the written document of the constitution. Rules and procedures for
interplay between these elements are crucial for comprehending political stability issues. This
theoretical approach shows its full gravity when analyzing the political peculiarities of Western
Balkans states, where constitutions are utilized as political instruments for stabilizing volatile
multi-ethnic and pluralistic societies. The outcome of the research is significant for better understanding
the Balkan political context as well as the inherent logic of the idea of constitutionalism.