Objective: 
The course of lectures provide students with knowledge about preconditions necessary for functioning of democratic state. Theoretical model of democratic state will be strenghtened by comparative analysis of constitutions of chosen states, analysis of different forms of governments.

The aim:
Comprehensive understanding of the notion “Democratic state ruled by the rule of law principle”
Knowledge about different forms of governments
Knowledge about constitutions of chosen states including primary law of the EUropean Union

Acquired knowledge:
Knowledge about constitutional theory of the state
Knowledge about general principles of constitutional law
Knowledge about interdependence of EU and Member States legal systems

Acquired skills:
Ability to discern relations between form of state and its basic principles and quality of life of its citizens

Developed reflection:
Understanding of functioning of democratic state ruled by law should strenghten to build up “democratic mentality” and influence the social competences of the students, such as respect for other people and their dignity, settling potential disputes during process of negotiations, openess to discuss problems and ability to solve them in the spirit of mutual recognition of rights of both parties of the dispute.

Assessment: 
The final grade consists of: exam ( 70 % ), term paper ( 10 % ), student own work ( 10% ), class activity ( 10% ).

Contents: 
Modern democratic state its key elements and historical evolution
Rule of law principle and its significance for democratic state
Forms of governments
Electoral systems
Detailed analysis of constitutions of chosen states

Recommended reading: 
Comparative Constitutional Engineering, Giovanni Sartori, Macmillan Press Ltd, London, 1997
Other legal texts and judgments of chosen courts