重构宪法“节约条款”

Reconstructing the"Thrift Clause"in the Constitution

“节约”作为一种法律价值,并非制宪者的“发明”。中国古代先贤早就意识到节约的重要性,“节约”历来是中华民族的传统美德,蕴含了节俭和节制两层含义。1949年以后,不论政治形势如何变化,节约精神都贯穿于我国政法和文化传统之中。我国现行宪法中的“节约条款”不仅可以理解为一种经济政策的表达,而且可以从宪法和法律的整体目的与更宏大的历史文化背景出发,引申出一种法伦理学解释:呈现为“宪法规范”的“节约条款”同时宣示着一种法律伦理与政治伦理。宪法“节约条款”的意义不但体现在提倡节俭、合理消费、促进生产发展,而且有节制过分的欲望、塑造公民德性以及整顿吏治的维度,甚至后者更为重要。

"Thrift",as a legal value,is not the"invention"of the framers.Ancient Chinese sages had recognized the importance of thrift,and"thrift"has always been a traditional virtue of the Chinese nation,containing two meanings:thrift and moderation.Since 1949,regardless of changes in the political situation,the spirit of thrift has always permeated China's political,legal,and cultural traditions.The"Thrift Clause"in the current constitution of China can not only be understood as an expression of economic policy,but also be extended from the overall purpose of the constitution and laws and the broader historical and cultural background to a legal-ethical interpretation:the"Thrift Clause"presented as a"constitutional norm"simultaneously proclaim both legal and political ethics.The significance of the"Thrift Clause"in the constitution is not only reflected in advocating frugality,reasonable consumption,promoting production development,but also in curbing excessive desires,shaping citizens’virtue,and rectifying the governance of officials,and even the latter is more important.