The Common Core of Marxian Socialist Constitutions

This Article examines the common principles that exist in the constitutions of socialist countries. The author argues that, although variation has increased over the years, the principles of a programmatic preamble setting goals, partisan class language, nationalization of productive resources, declaration of the communist party as "guide," and emphasis upon economic rights remain characteristic of socialist constitutions. The author further argues that while variation is inherent in the constitutions of the separate socialist states, this variation is kept within the limits set by the 1957 declaration of communist parties in power.