--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Whereas in Western countries the…" description: "\"“Whereas in Western countries the constitution merely had to guarantee the rights of a per-existing civil society and culture, in Russia it also had to..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e20/orlando-figes-19791_civil-society_whereas-in-western-countries-the-constit_2100798.png" --- # Whereas in Western countries the constitution merely had… ![“Whereas in Western countries the constitution merely had to guarantee the rights of a per-existing civil society and culture, in Russia it also had to create these. It had to educate society - and the state itself - into the values and ideas of liberal constitutionalism.” quote by Orlando Figes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e20/orlando-figes-19791_civil-society_whereas-in-western-countries-the-constit_2100798.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e20/orlando-figes-19791_civil-society_whereas-in-western-countries-the-constit_2100798.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e20/orlando-figes-19791_civil-society_whereas-in-western-countries-the-constit_2100798.png) > ““Whereas in Western countries the constitution merely had to guarantee the rights of a per-existing civil society and culture, in Russia it also had to create these. It had to educate society - and the state itself - into the values and ideas of liberal constitutionalism.”” [Orlando Figes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/orlando-figes/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Russian constitution must actively shape society, not just protect existing rights. **In simple terms:** Constitution as a tool for societal creation. Key Takeaway Design laws that build civic values. Themes law society liberalism Mood analytical thoughtful Type political philosophical When to use this quote - policy drafting - educational reform - civil society initiatives Key Concepts constitutional theory nation‑building civic education Questions to Reflect On - How can citizens influence constitutional development? - What safeguards ensure laws foster liberal values? 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