Abstract: The nature, connotation, and characteristics of constitutional principles can be examined from the dual perspectives of constitutional philosophy and institutional constitutional law. Constitutional principles from the perspective of constitutional philosophy are the concentrated embodiment of constitutional values, and their connotations and extensions have strong subjectivity. Constitutional principles from the perspective of institutional constitutional law must be clearly distinguished from constitutional provisions and the spirit of the constitution because they have clear institutional provisions. Therefore, constitutional principles in the sense of institutional constitutional law have a relatively certain connotation. When studying the connotation and institutional functions of constitutional principles, it is necessary to dialectically handle different understandings of constitutional principles from the dual perspectives of constitutional philosophy and institutional constitutional law in order to promote effective interpretation of the connotation of constitutional texts.

Key Words: constitutional principles; constitutional philosophy; institutional constitution law; constitutional provisions; constitutional spirit; constitutional norms

Author: MO Jihong, member, CASS; director and research fellow, CASS Institute of Law;

Source: 2 (2025) Journal of Northwest Normal University (Social Sciences).