Malcolm Rivera
The Republic of Croatia has a written constitution, which was first adopted in 1990, following the country's first multi-party parliamentary elections. The constitution outlines Croatia as a unitary and indivisible democratic and social state, with power derived from the people. It establishes a liberal-democratic framework, guaranteeing human rights and fundamental freedoms, including equality, freedom of movement, and freedom of assembly. The constitution also defines the roles of the President, the Croatian Parliament, and the Government, outlining their respective powers and responsibilities. Amendments to the constitution can be made by the Croatian Parliament, and it has undergone several changes since its initial adoption.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Constitution name | Constitution of the Republic of Croatia |
| Date of adoption | 22 December 1990 |
| Type of government | Unitary and indivisible democratic and social state |
| Power structure | Power derives from the people and is exercised through the election of representatives and direct decision-making |
| Rights and freedoms | Equality, human rights, cultural rights, freedom of movement, freedom of assembly and association, universal and equal suffrage, protection of national minorities, freedom of expression, and more |
| Separation of powers | Legislative, executive, and judicial branches |
| Parliament | Minimum of 100 and a maximum of 160 members, elected for a term of four years |
| President | Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, leader during a state of war, responsible for the defense of independence and territorial integrity, elected directly by the people for a term of five years with a maximum of two mandates |
| Government | Consists of the Prime Minister, one or more Deputy Prime Ministers, and ministers |
| Constitutional Court | Consists of 13 judges elected by the Croatian Parliament for a term of eight years |
| Amendments | The Constitution has been amended multiple times, including in 1998, 2000, and 2001 |
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What You'll Learn
- The Constitution of Croatia was adopted in 1990, amended in 1998, and revised in 2013
- The Croatian Parliament has between 100 and 160 members, elected for a term of four years
- The President of the Republic of Croatia is directly elected by the people for a maximum of two five-year terms
- The Constitution guarantees equality and protection of the rights of national minorities
- The Constitution establishes the separation of powers into the legislative, executive, and judicial branches
The Constitution of Croatia was adopted in 1990, amended in 1998, and revised in 2013
The Constitution of Croatia was adopted on December 22, 1990, after the country's first multi-party parliamentary elections. This date is significant as it marked Croatia's rejection of the communist one-party system and its adoption of a liberal-democratic constitution. The constitution was modelled after the semi-presidential system of the French Fifth Republic, with broad presidential executive powers shared with the government.
In 1998, the Croatian Parliament amended the constitution, reverting to a unicameral parliament and reducing presidential powers. This amendment reflected the country's desire to balance power between the executive and legislative branches.
The Constitution was again revised in 2013, with the most notable change being the definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman. This revision sparked debates about the country's values and social progress.
The Croatian Constitution establishes Croatia as a unitary and indivisible democratic and social state. It guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms, including the right to life, liberty, equal rights, national equality, and the rule of law. The Constitution also outlines the organisation of the government, including the roles of the President, Parliament, and the Office of the Public Prosecutor.
The President of the Republic of Croatia is directly elected by the people for a term of five years and is limited to two mandates. The President's key responsibilities include representing the country, ensuring the stability of the state government, and serving as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces during a state of war.
The Croatian Parliament, consisting of 100 to 160 deputies, holds legislative power and has the authority to make laws and amend the Constitution. Deputies are elected based on direct, universal, and equal suffrage by secret ballot for a term of four years.
The Office of the Public Prosecutions, an independent judicial body, is responsible for prosecuting criminal offences and protecting the property and legal interests of the Republic of Croatia.
The Constitution of Croatia has undergone a few significant changes since its adoption in 1990, reflecting the country's evolving political and social landscape. The revisions in 1998 and 2013 adjusted the balance of power and addressed social issues, respectively, ensuring that the Constitution remains responsive to the needs of Croatia's democratic society.
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The Croatian Parliament has between 100 and 160 members, elected for a term of four years
The Constitution of Croatia establishes the country as a unitary and indivisible democratic and social state, with power derived from the people and belonging to them as a community of free and equal citizens. The people exercise this power through the election of representatives and direct decision-making.
The constitution defines the Croatian parliament as a representative body of the people, vested with legislative power. It is responsible for making laws and amending the constitution. The Croatian Parliament consists of between 100 and 160 members, elected for a term of four years. The number of members and the conditions and procedures for their election are regulated by law.
The parliament plays a crucial role in the country's governance, with the power to authorise the government to issue decrees on specific issues for a maximum of one year. It also elects the Head Public Prosecutor for a term of four years and the 13 judges of the Constitutional Court for eight-year terms.
The parliament's first task after elections is to select its president from among its members. Members of the Croatian Parliament have no imperative mandate, meaning they are not bound by orders from their party or constituents and can act independently. The parliament also decides whether to impeach the President, a decision that is then confirmed by the Constitutional Court.
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The President of the Republic of Croatia is directly elected by the people for a maximum of two five-year terms
The President of the Republic of Croatia is directly elected by the people and serves a term of five years, with a maximum limit of two terms. The President is the head of state and the commander-in-chief of the Croatian Armed Forces. The President is responsible for the defence of the country's independence and territorial integrity, and for maintaining the regular functioning and stability of the state government.
The President is elected through a secret ballot by universal suffrage, requiring a majority vote to win. If no candidate secures more than 50% of the votes in the first round, a runoff election is held within 14 days. Any citizen of Croatia who is 18 or over can run for president, provided they are endorsed by 10,000 voters. The constitution also requires the president-elect to resign from any political party membership and from parliament before taking office.
The President's role is largely ceremonial, with the Prime Minister heading the executive branch. The President does, however, have the duty of appointing the Prime Minister, with the consent of the Sabor (Parliament) through a majority vote. The President also has some influence on foreign policy.
The first multi-party elections in Croatia were held in 1990, and the country adopted a new constitution on 22 December 1990, establishing the position of President of the Republic. The constitution has since been amended several times, including in 1998, 2000, and 2001, with powers shifting from the President to the Parliament and the Government.
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The Constitution guarantees equality and protection of the rights of national minorities
The Republic of Croatia has a written constitution, which was adopted in 1990. This constitution was amended in 1998, 2000, and 2001. The Constitution of Croatia guarantees equality and protection of the rights of national minorities through the Constitutional Act on the Rights of National Minorities in the Republic of Croatia. This Act is one of three Constitutional Acts in the Croatian legal framework and holds a higher legal authority than ordinary laws and regulations. It requires compliance from all lower levels of government, ensuring uniform protection of minority rights across the country.
The Constitutional Act on the Rights of National Minorities was enacted in 2002, following amendments to its predecessor, the Constitutional Act on National and Ethnic Communities or Minorities, which was originally adopted in 1991. The adoption of the 1991 Act was a significant step in Croatia's transition to independence from the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The current Act defines and guarantees the rights of national minorities within the Republic of Croatia. It explicitly recognizes and enumerates Croatia's traditional minority communities, including the Croatian Serbs, who are Croatia's most prominent national minority.
The Constitutional Act on the Rights of National Minorities provides for the representation of national minorities in the Croatian Parliament. Minorities that constitute more than 1.5% of the total population (only Serbs of Croatia) are guaranteed a minimum of one and a maximum of three seats in Parliament. Minorities that make up less than 1.5% of the total population can elect four members of Parliament in total. Additionally, municipalities, cities, or towns where members of a minority group consist of 5% to 15% of the population have the right to have one representative in the local council. If a minority group makes up more than 15% at the local level or more than 5% at the county level, they are entitled to proportional representation in local and regional councils.
The Constitutional Act on the Rights of National Minorities also provides for the protection of minority language rights in public life and education. The Law on Use of Languages and Scripts of National Minorities and the Law on Education in the Language and Script of National Minorities were enacted to further elaborate on these rights. The Act also establishes the State Council for National Minorities, an autonomous umbrella body that connects the institutions and interests of national minorities at the state level. This Council deals with comprehensive minority issues and is entitled to propose discussions regarding national minorities to the Parliament and Government of Croatia.
In conclusion, the Constitution of Croatia guarantees equality and protection of the rights of national minorities through the Constitutional Act on the Rights of National Minorities. This Act ensures the representation of national minorities in Parliament and protects their language rights in public life and education. It also establishes the State Council for National Minorities, which addresses comprehensive minority issues and proposes discussions to the Parliament and Government of Croatia.
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The Constitution establishes the separation of powers into the legislative, executive, and judicial branches
The Constitution of the Republic of Croatia establishes a separation of powers into the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The Croatian Parliament, with between 100 and 160 deputies, is the legislative branch and is responsible for making laws and amending the Constitution. The Parliament also elects the Head Public Prosecutor for a term of four years. The executive branch is headed by the President of the Republic, who is responsible for representing the country at home and abroad, ensuring the regular functioning of the state government, and defending the country's independence and territorial integrity. The President is the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces and can issue decrees with the force of law during a state of war. The executive branch also includes the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister(s), and ministers. The judicial branch is made up of independent and autonomous courts, with the Supreme Court being the highest court in the land. The President of the Supreme Court is proposed by the President of the Republic and elected by the Parliament for a four-year term. The Office of the Public Prosecutions is an autonomous and independent judicial body that protects the property and Constitution of the Republic of Croatia.
The Constitution of Croatia was adopted on December 22, 1990, marking the country's transition to a liberal-democratic system and the rejection of the communist one-party system. The Constitution has since been amended several times, including in 1998, 2000, 2001, and most recently in 2013. The 2013 amendment defined marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
The Croatian Parliament plays a crucial role in the country's legislative process and is responsible for electing the Head Public Prosecutor and the President of the Supreme Court. The Parliament can also authorise the Government to regulate certain issues through decrees for a maximum period of one year, except for matters pertaining to constitutionally established rights and freedoms, national rights, the electoral system, and the organisation of governmental bodies.
The President of the Republic holds significant powers, including the ability to issue decrees during a state of war and to propose the President of the Supreme Court. However, the President is also subject to checks and balances, as they can be impeached for any violation of the Constitution, and the Parliament decides whether to proceed with impeachment.
The Constitution of the Republic of Croatia guarantees certain fundamental rights and freedoms, including human rights, equal rights, national and gender equality, freedom of association, and the prohibition of capital punishment. It also establishes the sovereignty of the Republic of Croatia over its land, rivers, lakes, canals, internal maritime waters, territorial sea, and airspace.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Croatia has a written constitution, which was adopted in 1990. It has since been amended several times, with the most recent revision in 2013.
The Croatian Constitution establishes the country as a unitary and indivisible democratic and social state. It guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms, including equality, protection of human rights, freedom of movement, freedom of assembly, and the right to participate in public affairs. The Constitution also outlines the structure and powers of the government, including the roles of the President, Parliament, and the judiciary.
The Croatian Parliament, also known as the Sabor, is the legislative body of the country. It is composed of between 100 and 160 members, elected for a term of four years through direct and secret ballot. The Parliament's key functions include law-making, amending the Constitution, and overseeing the work of the government. It also appoints key officials, such as the Head Public Prosecutor, and can authorise the government to issue decrees in specific areas for a maximum period of one year.
