Administrative law and constitutional law are two distinct areas of law that serve different purposes.

Administrative law focuses on the rules and regulations that govern the daily work of government agencies and public officials. It ensures that they act fairly, follow procedures, and don’t abuse their power.

Constitutional law, on the other hand, deals with the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens, as enshrined in the Constitution. It sets limits on government power and protects individual liberties.

Let’s consider a case study:

In the landmark case of “Marbury v. Madison” (1803), the US Supreme Court established the principle of judicial review, which allows courts to strike down government actions that violate the Constitution. This case demonstrated the difference between administrative law and constitutional law. The Court was not reviewing an administrative decision, but rather ensuring that the government’s action aligned with the Constitution.

In simple terms, administrative law is like a “rule book” for government officials, while constitutional law is like a “bill of rights” that protects citizens from government overreach.