ABSTRACT
The study of formal obligation is important in clarifying and perfecting the structure of constituted authority within established societies in periods of stability. This chapter discusses felt obligation, rather than formal obligation. It discusses some aspects of general support for a government, obligation within a ruling party, constitutional principle and foreseeability, and interpretation of constitutional principles. Leninism offers an active and calculated method of securing mass obedience and support that bypasses the problem of direct popular allegiance. Constitutive principle performs a limiting and specifying function. But once constitutive principle has been adopted, its meaning is understood partly in terms of the matrix of beliefs and social conditions. Interpretation, and reinterpretation, of the words of constitutional provisions in accordance with the contemporary matrix of beliefs and social conditions assures continued general acceptance of constitutional obligations, and therefore a peaceful and effective society.
