THE ROLE OF THE CONSTITUTION IN THE FORMATION OF A DEMOCRATIC STATE

Gokma Toni Parlindungan S, Miasiratni Miasiratni


Gokma Toni Parlindungan S(1*), Miasiratni Miasiratni(2)

(1) Universitas Sumatera Barat
(2) Universitas Sumatera Barat
(*) Corresponding Author

Abstract


The constitution is the primary foundation for establishing a democratic state. As the highest legal norm, the constitution regulates the division of power, guarantees human rights, and limits government authority to prevent abuse of power. This study aims to analyse the role of the constitution in (1) establishing a democratic system of government and (2) maintaining the sustainability of democracy in state administration. This study uses a normative legal research method with a comparative approach. Research data are sourced from secondary legal materials, including constitutional documents, laws and regulations, legal literature, and relevant scientific publications. The analysis is conducted descriptively and analytically to explain how constitutional mechanisms support democracy. The results show that the constitution plays a crucial role in establishing a democratic government through the principles of popular sovereignty, separation of powers, checks and balances, and protection of citizens' basic rights. In addition, the constitution helps maintain democracy by promoting political stability, legal certainty, the protection of minority groups, and adaptive constitutional reform in the face of social dynamics and global challenges. Thus, strengthening the implementation of the constitution and its adaptability are key factors in maintaining democracy.

Keywords


Constitution; Law; Government

Full Text:

PDF

References


Abustan. (2023). Pluralism and Equality in the Perspective of Human Rights in Indonesia. Indonesian Law Reform Journal, 3 (1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.22219/ilrej.v3i1.24205

Agustini, Grashinta, A., Putra, S., Sukarman, S., Guampe, F., Akbar, J., Lubis, M., Maryati, I., Ririnisahawaitun, Mesra, R., Sari, M., Tuerah, P., Rahmadhani, M., Rulanggi, R., & Surachman, A. (2023). Qualitative Research Methods (Theory & Practical Guide to Qualitative Data Analysis). PT. Mifandi Mandiri Digital. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380401514

Alemanno, A., & Spina, A. (2014). Nudging legally: On the checks and balances of behavioural regulation. International Journal of Constitutional Law, 12 (2), 429–456. https://doi.org/10.1093/icon/mou033

Alvira, S., Furnamasari, YF, & Dewi, DA (2021). The Importance of Civic Education for the Young Generation as Agents of Change. Tambusai Journal of Education, 5 (3), 9201–9207. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.9000/jpt.v1i3.421

Anggun Islamadinah, Ice, Avril Lyana, A. Lyana, & Nurhasanah. (2024). The Constitution as a Pillar in Building National and State Life in Indonesia. JISOSEPOL: Journal of Social, Economic and Political Sciences, 2 (1), 96–104. https://doi.org/10.61787/v8wwth74

Ari, AP, Ridha, AF, & Zaki, AA (2023). National Integration as an Effort to Face Challenges in Diversity. Indigenous Knowledge, 2(6), 424–430.

Barus, SI (2017). The Process of Fundamental Change in the Indonesian Constitution Before and After the Amendment. University of Bengkulu Law Journal, 2 (1), 29–55. https://doi.org/10.33369/ubelaj.v2i1.8010

Batul, S., & Nst, A. (2024). The Role of the Constitution in Shaping a Democratic State System. Journal on Education, 06(02), 11760–11769. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.31004/joe.v6i2.4830

Efendi, J., & Ibrahim, J. (2018). Legal Research Methods: Normative and Empirical. PrenadaMedia.

Elizamiharti, E., & Nelfira, N. (2023). Democracy in the Digital Era: Challenges and Opportunities in Political Participation. Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Technological Innovation, 2 (01), 61–72. https://doi.org/10.59653/jimat.v2i01.342

Elviandri, E. (2019). Quo Vadis Welfare State: Affirming the Welfare State Ideology of the Indonesian Welfare State Law. Law Forum - Faculty of Law, Gadjah Mada University, 31 (2), 252. https://doi.org/10.22146/jmh.32986

Fajri, MN (2023). Legitimacy of Public Participation in the Establishment of Law in Indonesia. Constitutional Journal, 20(1), 123–143. https://doi.org/10.31078/jk2017

Farikiansyah, IM, Salamah, MN, Rokhimah, A., Ma'rifah, L., Faruq, FNF, & Al Gufron, MA (2024). Increasing Election Participation through Millennial Youth Political Literacy in Civic Education. Journal of Education Research, 5 (4), 6512–6523. https://doi.org/10.37985/jer.v5i4.793

Febra Anjar Kusuma, Dini Apriliani, Rezky Tania, Susan Febriyanti, & Rozalia. (2024a). Analysis of the Role of the Constitution in the Constitutional Law System. Indonesian Journal of Law and Justice, 2(2). https://doi.org/10.47134/ijlj.v2i2.3400

Febra Anjar Kusuma, Dini Apriliani, Rezky Tania, Susan Febriyanti, & Rozalia. (2024b). Analysis of the Role of the Constitution in the Constitutional Law System. Indonesian Journal of Law and Justice, 2(2), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.47134/ijlj.v2i2.3400

Firmansyah. (2021). Constitutional Change: Political and Legal Dynamics in a Democratic State. Istinbath: Journal of Law, 18 (2), 303–325. https://doi.org/10.32332/istinbath.v18i2.3629

Fitri Atur Arum, & Enika Maya Oktavia. (2023). Implementation of the state of emergency in Indonesia: inconsistent application. El- Wasathiya: Journal of Religious Studies, 11 (2), 66–82. https://doi.org/10.35888/el-wasathiya.v11i2.5543

Gunawan, B. (2020). Legal Analysis of Distance Education from the Perspective of Human Rights in the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia during the Covid-19 Pandemic in Indonesia. HAM Journal, 11 (3), 387. https://doi.org/10.30641/ham.2020.11.387-404

Harief, A., Sinaga, P., & Bhakti, TS (2025). The Existence of Law Regarding Youth Organisations in Fulfilling Constitutional Rights. Binamulia Hukum, 14 (1), 187–202. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.37893/jbh.v14i1.1010

Hidayat, RN (2020). Institutional Strengthening of the Corruption Eradication Commission by Placing the Constitution as the Basis for Legitimacy. 'Adalah , 4 (3), 116–123. https://doi.org/10.15408/adalah.v4i3.17830

Hippy, J., Amrain, F., & Kadir, MKK (2024). Dynamics and Challenges in Constitutional Change in Indonesia. SINERGI: Scientific Research Journal, 1 (7), 532–544. https://doi.org/10.62335/25mh3677

Hutama, V., & Sabijanto, VV (2023). Increasing Legal Awareness Among Marginalised Communities Through Counselling. Multiverse: Open Multidisciplinary Journal, 2 (2), 212–218. https://doi.org/10.57251/multiverse.v2i2.1130

Irmanto. (2019). The Role of Law in Realising Social Justice. 4 (2), 1581–1596. https://doi.org/10.53363/bureau.v4i2.429

Muhammad, K., Firdaus, SU, Hasrul, M., & Aci, L. (2023). Public Policy and Legal Politics: Building Sustainable Democracy for the Community. Journal of Democracy and National Resilience | Volume 2, 354–368. https://doi.org/10.14203/jpp.v18i2.1032

Muhtamar, S., & Rani Saputra, I. (2020). The Constitution and the Direction of Legal Development Policy: Before and After the Amendment. Amsir Law Journal, 1 (2), 70–77. https://doi.org/10.36746/alj.v1i2.24

Muhtar, M. H., Maranjaya, A., Arfiani, N., & Rahim, E. (2023). CONSTITUTIONAL THEORY & LAW (Basic Knowledge and Understanding and Insight into the Implementation of Constitutional Law in Indonesia).

Mustafa Habib. (2020). The Direction of Democratic Countries from Various Representations (Indonesian Election Study). JBS (Social-Based Journal), 1 (1), 1–23.

Noviati, CE (2016). Democracy and Governance Systems. Constitutional Journal, 10(2), 333. https://doi.org/10.31078/jk1027

Nuna, M., & Moonti, RM (2019). Freedom of Social and Political Rights and Citizen Participation in the Democratic System in Indonesia. Jurnal Ius Constituendum, 4 (2), 110. https://doi.org/10.26623/jic.v4i2.1652

Nurmandi, A., Muhammad Lutfi, Sumardi, S., & Zuly Qodir. (2021). Public Service Quality Through a Democratic Model Approach in the Regional Autonomy Era. Journal of Government Insight, 1 (1), 49–61. https://doi.org/10.47030/jgi.v1i1.253

Panjaitan, SP (2016). The Politics of Legal Development in the Investment Sector: An Inevitability of the Economic Constitution. Journal of the Constitution, 7 (2), 047. https://doi.org/10.31078/jk723

Purwoto, A., Ahmad, A., Mardika, NY, Tanjung, RJ, Sanaya, P., Sharaningtyas, YN, & Parlindungan, GT (2025). Legal science in Indonesia. In R. Tangwun & PM Simanjuntak (Eds.), PT Adikara Cipta Aksa (1st ed.). PT Adikara Cipta Aksa.

Rafina, & Yamani, AZ (2016). The Role of the Constitution in Democracy and Human Rights in Indonesia. CAUSA: Journal of Law and Citizenship, 4 (1), 1–23.

Rahmadhona, R. (2024). Implementation of Emergency Constitutional Law in the Monetary Emergency of 1998 in Indonesia. Journal of Constitution and Democracy, 4 (1). https://doi.org/10.7454/jkd.v4i1.1401

Raisa Qolbina Ibrizzahra, Dzikri Maula Salam, Tabhita Prima Isnaeni, & Putri Sahara Herlina. (2024). Human Rights in the Indonesian Constitution: Implementation and Challenges. Alliance: Journal of Law, Education and Social Humanities, 1 (4), 272–280. https://doi.org/10.62383/aliansi.v1i4.325

Risdianto, D. (2017). Protection of Minority Groups in Indonesia in Realising Justice and Equality Before the Law. Jurnal Rechts Vinding: Media for National Legal Development, 6 (1), 125. https://doi.org/10.33331/rechtsvinding.v6i1.120

Rizkia, NDHF (2023). Legal Research Methods (Normative and Empirical). Widina Media Utama.

Rosmawan, W. (2015). The History of the Development of Constitutionalism in the World and Indonesia (A Comparative Review). Galuh Justisi Scientific Journal, 3(2), 271. https://doi.org/10.25157/jigj.v3i2.424

Roza, D., & S, GTP (2019). Public Participation in the Formation of Legislation to Realise a Prosperous Indonesia from the Perspective of Welfare State Theory. Jurnal Cendekia Hukum , 5 (1), 131–144. https://doi.org/10.33760/jch.v5i1.185

S, GTP (2021). Regional Community Aspirations as a Constitutionally Guaranteed Regional Development Priority Program. Encyclopedia of Social Review, 3 (1), 72–77. https://doi.org/10.33559/esr.v3i1.684

S, GTP (2024). Democracy Builds Power. Encyclopedia of Journals, 6 (2), 294–297. https://doi.org/10.33559/eoj.v6i3.2216

Sa'adah, N. (2019). The Constitutional Court as a Guardian of Democracy and the Constitution, Especially in Carrying Out Constitutional Review. Administrative Law and Governance Journal, 2(2), 235–247. https://doi.org/10.14710/alj.v2i2.235-247

Saragih, BR, Sinaga, P., & Wiryadi, U. (2025). Emergency Legislative Flexibility: The Formation of Regional Regulations in Indonesia During Extraordinary Conditions. International Journal of Emerging Issues in Social Science, Arts and Humanities (IJEISSAH), 3 (3).

Satria, IR, & Rahman, MRT (2023). Participatory Oversight and Efforts to Improve Our Democracy. Journal of Electoral Justice, 4 (2), 61–72. https://doi.org/10.55108/jkp.v4i2.427

Setiawan, Z. (2024). The Role of the Constitutional Court in Maintaining Legal Stability in Indonesia. Smart Law Journal, 2 (2), 19–25. https://ejournal.instituthidayatullahbatam.ac.id/index.php/jurnal-cerdas-hukum/article/view/234

Shalihah, A., & Huroiroh, E. (2022). The Complexity of Settling Disputes Regarding the Constitutional Authority of State Institutions by the Constitutional Court. Japhtn-Han , 1 (1), 18–34. https://doi.org/10.55292/japhtnhan.v1i1.6

Sinaga, EMC, & Claudia, GP (2022). Renewal of the National Legal System Related to the Ratification of International Agreements in the Protection of Constitutional Rights. Constitutional Journal, 18(3), 677. https://doi.org/10.31078/jk1839

Sulistyo, AQP, & Samudra, KP (2020). The Role of the State Constitution in Monitoring the Recovery of Citizens' Lives Post-Covid-19 Virus Outbreak. Journal of Social and Diversity Education, 7 (2), 95–102. https://doi.org/10.29303/juridiksiam.v7i2.130

Sundariwati, NLD (2024). Judicial Activism: Between Protecting Constitutional Supremacy and Transitioning to Juristocracy. Constitutional Journal, 21 (3), 432–447. https://doi.org/10.31078/jk2135

Suny, I. (2017). The Bicentennial of the United States Constitution. Journal of Law & Development, 16 (1), 60. https://doi.org/10.21143/jhp.vol16.no1.1192

Susanto, RD, & Irwansyah. (2021). Social Media, Democracy, and Millennials' Political Opinion in the Post-Reformation Era. LONTAR: Journal of Communication Studies, 9 (1), 65–77. https://doi.org/10.30656/lontar.v9i1.3249

Syafriande, Aldho, Aidinil Zetra, FA (2019). Malpractice in the verification process of political parties in Indonesia: a study on the 2019 general election. Political Discourse, 4 (1), 14–29.

Tarigan, RS (2024). Constitution and Power: A Case Study in Constitutional Law. Joint Work Space.

Vernando, Wau, A., Is, MS, Lobo, FN, Lay, BP, Arista, W., Rizkia, ND, Irawan, AD, Pratama, AD, Wijayanti, A., Geme, MT, Hidayah, A., Miasiratni, Indriani, S., & S, GTP (2023). Constitutional Law (E. Fahamsyah (ed.)). INFES MEDIA. https://infesmedia.co.id/buku/detail/81

Wau, A., Is, MS, Lobo, FN, Lay, BP, Arista, W., Rizkia, ND, Irawan, AD, Pratama, AD, Wijayanti, A., & Geme, MT (2023). Constitutional Law (E. Fahamsyah (ed.)). CV. Intellectual Manifest Media.

Zul Fadhli, Y. (2016). The Position of Minority Groups from a Human Rights Perspective and Their Legal Protection in Indonesia. Constitutional Journal, 11 (2), 352. https://doi.org/10.31078/jk1128




DOI: http://doi.org/10.33760/jch.v11i1.1288

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Copyright (c) 2026 JCH (Jurnal Cendekia Hukum)

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Published by STIH Putri Maharaja Payakumbuh

 Indexing by