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Rechtsstaat

constitutional state

noun REKHTS-shtaat Rare

Also means

rule-of-law state

Usage Note

Rechtsstaat is a state governed by law, where public power is bound by the constitution, from Recht (law) and Staat. It is masculine. It is a key value-laden term in German political discourse; defenders speak of protecting the Rechtsstaat against arbitrary rule.

Examples

"In einem Rechtsstaat gilt auch die Regierung dem Gesetz unterworfen."

Natural Translation

In a constitutional state even the government is subject to the law.

Literal Translation

In a rule-of-law-state counts also the government to-the law subjected.

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