Abstract (eng)
This thesis sets current proposals for the expansion of fundamental rights protections within the Austrian constitutional system in the perspective of earlier attempts. It therefore analysis the already existing mechanisms for the protection of constitutionally guaranteed rights with a special focus on those provisions regarding social dimensions. The thesis furthermore highlights the political and legal negotiations of the Österreich Konvent and current proposals by NGOs, particularly regarding proposals for constitutional guarantees for rights to social security and minimum care. These proposals are analysed regarding different normative and legal models for the implementation of fundamental rights as well as necessary additional measures regarding the competences of constitutional jurisdiction. Conclusively, the thesis argues for a new perspective in future discussions about the implementation of social constitutional guarantees through a combined and differentiated use of different normative models, a stronger focus on international human rights obligations, and the reform of the competences of the Constitutional Court. Through such steps, social guarantees would particularly benefit the human rights protection of marginalized groups in Austria.