ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the hypothesis that the flexibility of constitutions influences the stability of states, and commence with a consideration of the influence of legitimacy on constitutional action and thought. It discusses of various schools of political thought such as liberal, conservative, socialist, anarchist and environmentalist. Constitutional flexibility, in the sense of the hard or the soft constitution, is distinct from the narrower question of democracy. However, the political ethos which underpins the formal constitution also affects the operation of the constitution. The Colonial Laws Validity Act 1865 ceased to have effect in Canada on 11 December 1931, except for amendments to the British North America Act 1867. Revision of constitutional arrangements to reflect national identity requires agreement as to what precisely is New Zealand's national identity. The Maori and Pakeha cultural heritage, the special position of the Maori and their relationship with the Crown, are all aspects which are currently reflected in the New Zealand constitution.
