Research On Yang Du's Ideology Of Constitutional Monarchy

As a pioneer of times versed deeply in constitutional theories and dedicated to constitutional practices, Yang Du was known for his theory about constitutional monarchy; he gave advices and practiced for constitutionalism of China in the ascendant. On the one hand, research on Yang Du's ideology of constitutional monarchy helps to unearth deeply theoretical value of constitutional ideology; On the other hand, the research helps Chinese draw lessons from constitutional practices in modern China dialectically in order to provide experience for Chinese project of constitution.Yang Du's ideology of constitutional monarchy was born in modern China which faced domestic trouble and foreign invasion, its theory sources includes constitutional theories which belong to western learning introduced into china and the Art of Assisting Monarchy with Hunan characteristics. The ideas of two sources differ greatly from each other: the former is means in the marketplace of theories while the latter is body in the marketplace of ideas.Yang Du's ideology of constitutional monarchy has personality and is extensive and profound. He thank:the purpose of constitutionalism is saving the nation from extinction and making it prosperous and powerful; the means of constitutionalism is forming political party and establishing parliament; the essential demand of constitutionalism is asking for freedom and promoting equality; the vital spirit is keeping monarchy and giving up republic; the guarantee of constitutionalism is emphasizing honesty.Yang Du's ideology of constitutional monarchy should be read and evaluated through his works under special historical space-time. On the one hand, there are relative progressiveness, certain rationality and obvious honesty in Yang Du's ideology of constitutional monarchy. On the other hand, his ideology was affect deeply by the thought that constitution is all-powerful but only a tool and elitism.