---
title: "Constitutional Doctrine Definition | Model Diplomat"
description: "A constitutional doctrine is a judicial principle that helps interpret constitutional meaning and limits on government power, essential for civil services."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/constitutional-doctrine"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- A constitutional doctrine is a judicially developed principle of interpretation that courts apply to resolve disputes about constitutional meaning, structure, and limits on government power.
- What is the basis of a court's power to create constitutional doctrine?
- How does the basic structure doctrine differ from American doctrines?
- Can a constitutional doctrine be overturned?
- What are the tiers of scrutiny and why do they matter?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

A constitutional doctrine is a judicially developed principle of interpretation that courts apply to resolve disputes about constitutional meaning, structure, and limits on government power.

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In Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973), a 13-judge Indian Supreme Court bench established the basic structure doctrine, holding that Parliament could not use Article 368 to alter the Constitution's essential features.

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