The studies compiled in this volume discuss central issues of contemporary state order. Böckenförde does not address state order abstractly, but rather focuses on the historical and theoretical foundations as well as the concrete design of today's democratic, rule-of-law state that acts as a welfare state. State order and a democratic, rule-of-law constitution are presented as significant achievements of political culture that enable and secure real freedom. It is also acknowledged that the challenges posed by a developed industrial society and spiritual-ethical pluralism represent a challenge for this state order, for which a sufficient response still needs to be found.