Guarantees of the principle of the supremacy of the Constitution

Abstract

The principle of the supremacy of the Constitution requires implementation of constitutional norms (positive aspect) and prohibits behaviours that are inconsistent with constitutional norms (the negative aspect). The legislator is therefore obliged to create sub-constitutional norms in such a way that they comply with constitutional norms and ensure that they are implemented
as fully as possible. Similarly, with regard to the application of the law, decisions taken on the basis of the Constitution must comply with its norms and implement these norms as effectively as possible. The actual assurance of the principle of the supremacy of the Constitution is important for the protection of the citizen from the state, because the Constitution as a social contract sets out absolute limits for the authorities that must not be trespassed. The Constitution contains numerous guarantees of its supremacy. They include in particular: the procedure for amending the Constitution, liability to the Tribunal of State, control of the constitutionality of the law by the Constitutional Tribunal, direct application of the Constitution by courts and swearing an oath by members of parliament, the President and members of the Council of Ministers. However, there are no legal guarantees which would effectively and permanently guarantee the supremacy of the Constitution. In an effort to ensure that the Constitution takes precedence, an appropriate level of legal culture must be ensured.