Abstract
The current meaning of citizenship depends on how it is framed within the structure of the State, if we accept the idea of a people as a linking element or substratum of legitimacy of a political community.
As historical analysis demonstrates, lying at the origin of citizenship is, precisely, the constitutional concept of a people. This origin of the concept is of great importance if we are to fully understand its current configuration. It is not possible to conceive citizenship disconnected from its substratum and the constitutional notion of a people. In fact, the definition of citizenship is the sovereign instrument for the definition of a people; in ancient times, as will be seen, the interpretation was always thus.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Copyright information
© 2016 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s)
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Matias, G. (2016). Conceptual Evolution. In: Citizenship as a Human Right. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-59384-9_2
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-59384-9_2
Published:
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-137-59383-2
Online ISBN: 978-1-137-59384-9
eBook Packages: Political Science and International StudiesPolitical Science and International Studies (R0)