Grundlagen des Rechts (Vorlesungen 2025/2026)

Florian Meinel

Göttinger Vorlesungen zum Nachhören; 3 Teile: – Staffel 1: Einführung in die politische Theorie, WS 2025/6 (14 Folgen) – Staffel 2: Einführung in die Rechts- und Sozialphilosophie, WS 2025/6 (14 Folgen) – Staffel 3: Verfassungsgeschichte der Neuzeit, SoSe 2026 (14 Folgen) Alles Material zu den Vorlesungen (Folien, Begleitlektüren), findet sich unter https://studip.uni-goettingen.de

  1. S03-E02: Verfassungsentwicklungen des 18. Jh.

    Episode 2

    S03-E02: Verfassungsentwicklungen des 18. Jh.

    The lecture covers the evolution of the modern constitution concept, the Westphalian Peace and its impact on state sovereignty, the legal and political implications of the Peace of Westphalia, its role in the foundation of modern international law, misconceptions and historical context, its impact on Germany and Europe, and the rise of the modern bourgeoisie and its role in state development. The conversation methodically explores the rise of the bourgeoisie, the impact of educational reform, the power of knowledge, the emergence of a public audience, the transition to constitutionalism, the constitutional ideals of the Enlightenment, the concept of representative power, the birth of constitutionalism, the evolution of political thought, and system competition and reform in the 18th century. The conversation delves into the concept of constitution, the influence of the Seven Years' War, the globalization of constitutional thinking, the modernization of war, reform strategies and legislation, the influence of Montesquieu's theory, the role of public opinion in modern warfare, constitution as a legitimization resource, the ambivalence of constitution, the evolution of constitution, the birth of modern constitutional law, the dual nature of constitution, and the contemporary impact of the Seven Years' War. Takeaways The Westphalian Peace served as a European constitution, establishing new state principles and shaping modern international law.The rise of the modern bourgeoisie had significant social, economic, and political implications, influencing the development of constitutional ideas and supporting the centralized state. The 18th century saw the rise of the bourgeoisie and the decline of traditional power structures.Educational reform and the spread of knowledge played a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of the time. The Seven Years' War as a catalyst for the globalization of constitutional thinkingThe ambivalence of constitution as a legitimization resource and a tool for critique Chapters 00:00 The Evolution of the Modern Constitution Concept11:12 The Westphalian Peace: Legal and Political Implications17:14 The Westphalian Peace: Misconceptions and Historical Context24:47 The Rise of the Modern Bourgeoisie33:37 The Rise of the Bourgeoisie39:53 The Emergence of a Public Audience46:29 The Concept of Representative Power55:08 The Evolution of Political Thought01:03:33 The Concept of Constitution01:09:10 The Modernization of War01:14:35 Constitution as a Legitimization Resource01:23:30 The Evolution of Constitution01:32:19 The Contemporary Impact of the Seven Years' War

    1h 25m
  2. SE03-E03: Verfassungsbegriffe der Revolutionen, Revolution des Verfassungsbegriffs

    Episode 3

    SE03-E03: Verfassungsbegriffe der Revolutionen, Revolution des Verfassungsbegriffs

    The conversation delves into the historical context of constitutional development, focusing on key events such as the Haitian Revolution, the Polish May Constitution, and the American Declaration of Independence. It explores the themes of revolution, sovereignty, and the emergence of written constitutions. The conversation delves into the historical context and development of the American and French constitutions, highlighting the revolutionary situations, the formation of the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the Philadelphia Convention, and the Federalist Papers. It also explores the influence of the French Revolution and the role of the third estate in shaping the constitution. The conversation explores the evolution of the concept of constitution and its relationship with revolution, highlighting the transformative impact of the French Revolution on the understanding of constitutions. It delves into the shift from a traditional view of constitution as a set of rules to a revolutionary concept of constitution as a new order and a utopian vision for the future. The discussion also touches on the comparison between the American and French Revolutions, the failure of the French Constitution, and the historical significance of the revolutionary concept of constitution. Takeaways Revolutionary movements led to the emergence of written constitutions in various regions.The Haitian Revolution, the Polish May Constitution, and the American Declaration of Independence are pivotal in the development of constitutional history. Revolutionary situations shape the formation of constitutionsThe role of the third estate in shaping the French constitution Evolution of Constitution: The conversation traces the evolution of the concept of constitution from a traditional set of rules to a revolutionary vision of a new order and a utopian future.Impact of French Revolution: The French Revolution transformed the understanding of constitutions, giving rise to a revolutionary concept of constitution as a means to create a new and better society.Comparison of Revolutions: A comparison between the American and French Revolutions highlights the differing approaches to constitution-making and the implications of these approaches.Failure of the French Constitution: The discussion explores the failure of the French Constitution and the factors that led to its radicalization and eventual collapse.Significance of Revolutionary Concept: The revolutionary concept of constitution has historical significance and represents a shift from a legal document to a vision for the future, shaping the understanding of constitutions in the context of revolution and societal transformation. Chapters 00:00 The American Declaration of Independence and the Birth of a Nation43:41 Ratification and the Federalist Papers52:23 Influence of the French Revolution01:14:39 The Impact of the Revolutionary Concept of Constitution

    1h 31m
  3. SE03-E04: Die politische Ökonomie der Revolutionsverfassungen

    Episode 4

    SE03-E04: Die politische Ökonomie der Revolutionsverfassungen

    The lecture explores the concept of revolution and its impact on the evolution of the constitution. It delves into the transformation of the revolution and constitution concepts, emphasizing the shift from a return to order to a vision for the future. The discussion also highlights the economic perspective of constitutional history, focusing on the influence of the industrial revolution and the ideas of Adam Smith. The conversation delves into the historical and ideological underpinnings of constitutional development, linking it to the emergence of a new economic reality. It explores the intertwining of economic and constitutional concepts, emphasizing the role of property rights, taxation, and the evolution of the state's financial infrastructure. The discussion highlights the economic liberation aspect of revolutionary constitutions and their impact on political and economic rights. The conversation delves into the intersection of political and economic freedom, the impact of revolutionary constitutions on society, and the emergence of socialism as a critique of the revolution's economic system. It also explores the relationship between political and economic rights, the role of constitutions in shaping society, and the formation of conservative and socialist movements in response to the revolution's economic consequences. Takeaways Revolution and constitution concepts evolved from a return to order to a vision for the future.The economic perspective of constitutional history, influenced by the industrial revolution and Adam Smith's ideas, played a significant role in shaping modern constitutional thought. Economic and constitutional concepts are deeply intertwinedRevolutionary constitutions embody an economic liberation project Political and economic freedom are intertwined, with revolutionary constitutions aiming to create economically independent and politically free citizens.The emergence of socialism as a critique of the revolution's economic system and the formation of conservative movements in response to the economic consequences of the revolution. Chapters 00:00 Evolution of Revolution and Constitution Concepts05:32 Fundamental Change in Revolution and Constitution Concepts29:56 The Emergence of a New Economic Reality38:25 Historical Context and the Coercion-Extraction Cycle48:13 Constitutional Ideals and the Grammars of Capitalism56:18 Revolutionary Constitutions: Political and Economic Liberation01:06:09 Conservative and Socialist Movements

    1h 28m
  4. SE03-E05: Konstitutionalismus und Kolonialismus

    Episode 5

    SE03-E05: Konstitutionalismus und Kolonialismus

    The lecture explores the evolution of the modern concept of constitution, its relationship with colonialism, and the structural and political connections between constitutionalism and colonialism. It delves into the paradox of the modern constitution, the compatibility of constitutionalism and colonialism, and the dual nature of constitutional demands. The lecture also discusses the relationship between constitutionalism and imperialism, as well as the normative exception of colonies in constitutional texts. The conversation delves into the historical context of colonial taxation, the European discourse on civilization and colonial exception, the global classification system for cultures and individuals, the colonial narrative of superiority and domination, and the relationship between colonialism, constitution, and imperialism. It also explores the case study of constitutionalism in the Ottoman Empire, highlighting the unique perspective and local grammar of rights and justice in the Islamic tradition. The conversation delves into the historical context of the Ottoman Constitution of 1876, liberal constitution movements in Iran, and the impact of World War I on the Levant. It explores the influence of Woodrow Wilson's 14 Points, the emergence of neocolonialism, and the Syrian Declaration of Independence. The discussion concludes with insights into anticolonial movements and the lessons learned from imperial intervention. Takeaways The historical correlation between constitutionalism and colonialism reveals a complex and ambivalent relationship.The modern concept of constitution exhibits a dual nature, with a universalist claim and a particular application in practice. Colonial taxation and the King's Bench decision shaped the constitutional powers of the King in coloniesThe European discourse on civilization produced a colonial narrative of superiority and dominationColonialism as a system of classification and subjugation led to the global classification system for cultures and individualsThe Ottoman Empire's constitutional movement reflected a unique perspective and local grammar of rights and justice in the Islamic tradition Impact of Woodrow Wilson's 14 PointsNeocolonialism and Imperial Interests Chapters 00:00 The Evolution of the Modern Concept of Constitution08:01 The Structural and Political Connection Between Constitutionalism and Colonialism17:00 The Dual Nature of Constitutional Demands27:59 Colonial Taxation and King's Bench Decision40:02 Colonialism, Constitution, and Global Classification45:45 Colonialism as a System of Classification and Subjugation01:01:04 The Ottoman Constitution of 187601:06:35 Syria and Lebanon in World War I01:12:25 Syrian Independence Declaration01:19:34 Syrian Declaration of Independence01:29:34 Anticolonial Movements and Lessons Learned

    1h 24m
  5. SE03-E06: Verfassungen und die Entstehung des Verwaltungsstaates

    Episode 6

    SE03-E06: Verfassungen und die Entstehung des Verwaltungsstaates

    The conversation delves into the reform movements in 18th-century Europe, focusing on the political dynamics and reform projects in various states. It then explores the impact of the French Revolution on German states, leading to a fundamental crisis and the formation of the Rheinbund. This period saw significant changes in governance and administration, influenced by the revolutionary ideas of the time. The conversation methodically explores the Bavarian Constitution of 1808, highlighting its unique character and emphasis on administrative reform. It then delves into the Prussian reforms of the 1810s, discussing the context of financial crisis and the need to address revolutionary threats. The conversation delves into the liberalization and self-governance in Prussian cities, the impact of Prussian reforms on social and economic structure, and the challenges and consequences of these reforms. It also explores the neofeudal impact of Prussian reforms and the overall reform process in Prussia. Takeaways Reform movements in 18th-century EuropeThe impact of the French Revolution on German states Bavarian constitution of 1808: A unique and innovative approach to governancePrussian reforms of the 1810s: A response to financial crisis and revolutionary threat Liberalization and self-governance in Prussian citiesImpact of Prussian reforms on social and economic structure Chapters 00:00 Reform Movements in 18th-Century Europe07:41 The Impact of the French Revolution on German States32:05 Bavarian Constitution of 180840:27 Prussian Reforms of the 1810s01:02:17 Liberalization and Self-Governance in Prussian Cities01:07:30 Prussian Reforms and Their Impact01:14:44 The Challenge of Prussian Reforms01:23:35 The Prussian Reform Process

    1h 26m
  6. SE03-E07: Nationen, Nationalisierung, Nationalismus

    Episode 7

    SE03-E07: Nationen, Nationalisierung, Nationalismus

    The conversation delves into the intricate relationship between Verfassung (constitution) and Nation, exploring the historical context and implications of this connection. It also examines the process of nationalization and the emergence of the idea of the nation as a key theme in the development of modern society. The conversation delves into the ideologization of the nation, its diverse notions, types of national states, the formation of national states, unifying national states, German nationalism and liberalism, and the Wiener Kongress and the German Bund. It explores the nation as a vehicle for ideology and as a central instance of democratization, providing insights into the historical and political significance of these themes. The conversation methodically explores the themes of landständische Verfassung vs. Repräsentativverfassung, the conflict in the German states post-1815, the Vormärz period, the tension between conservative forces and the bourgeois movement, the role of the workers' movement and socialism in Germany, and the central themes of the liberal constitution movement, focusing on the concepts of Verfassung and Nation. Takeaways Verfassung und Nation: The relationship between constitution and nation is a complex and fundamental issue in constitutional history.Nationalization: The process of nationalization and the emergence of the idea of the nation are key themes in the development of modern society. Nation as a vehicle for ideologyNation as a central instance of democratization Landständische Verfassung vs. RepräsentativverfassungKonfliktlinie in den deutschen Staaten ab 1815Vormärz als eine interessante und prägende Zeit in der deutschen GeschichteSpannung zwischen konservativen Kräften und bürgerlicher BewegungVerfassung und Nation als zentrale Themen der liberalen Verfassungsbewegung Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Verfassungsproblem12:11 Nationalization and Nation Building29:24 The Ideologization of Nation34:26 Types of National States49:08 The Wiener Kongress and the German Bund01:05:02 Verfassung und Nation als zentrale Themen der liberalen Verfassungsbewegung

    1h 23m
  7. SE03-E08: Die Revolution von 1848 und die Entstehung des konstitutionellen „Dualismus“

    Episode 8

    SE03-E08: Die Revolution von 1848 und die Entstehung des konstitutionellen „Dualismus“

    The conversation delves into the Tragedy of German Bourgeoisie, the Nationalization Process, the Revolution of 1848, Unrest in Germany, the Baden Landtag and the National Assembly, the Frankfurt Parliament and the Reich Constitution, the Failure of the Revolution, and an exploration of Historical Failure. It provides insights into the pivotal moment of the Revolution of 1848 and the factors contributing to its failure. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by revolutionary movements, the impact of industrialization on social structure, and the interplay of revolution and the social question. It also explores the role of the social question in constitutional theory and the signs of social unrest before the revolution. Additionally, it discusses the national movement and the social question, as well as the Preuß-Verfassung in the Revolutionszeit 48-49. The conversation methodically explores the Prussian constitution, highlighting its dualistic nature and the significant budget conflict that arose. It delves into the complexities of the constitution and the challenges it posed, shedding light on the political and legal implications of the Prussian constitutional crisis. Takeaways Revolution of 1848 as a pivotal moment in German historyFactors contributing to the failure of the liberal revolution Revolutionary movements lacked military power and faced resistance from the state.The social composition of the revolution was limited, and the emergence of the industrial working class posed a challenge to the liberal national movement. Preußen's constitutional crisis and the budget conflictThe dualistic nature of the Prussian constitution Chapters 00:00 The Tragedy of German Bourgeoisie07:15 The Baden Landtag and the National Assembly21:09 The Failure of the Revolution30:11 Challenges of Revolutionary Movements35:31 The Role of Social Question in Constitutional Theory42:50 The Pre-Revolutionary Signs of Social Unrest48:09 The National Movement and the Social Question55:23 The Preuß-Verfassung in the Revolutionszeit 48-4901:01:43 The Prussian Constitution and Grundrechtseingriffe01:17:24 The Preußischer Budgetkonflikt

    1h 26m

About

Göttinger Vorlesungen zum Nachhören; 3 Teile: – Staffel 1: Einführung in die politische Theorie, WS 2025/6 (14 Folgen) – Staffel 2: Einführung in die Rechts- und Sozialphilosophie, WS 2025/6 (14 Folgen) – Staffel 3: Verfassungsgeschichte der Neuzeit, SoSe 2026 (14 Folgen) Alles Material zu den Vorlesungen (Folien, Begleitlektüren), findet sich unter https://studip.uni-goettingen.de