Jonah Patel
The Dominican Republic has had a long and complex constitutional history since gaining independence from Haiti in 1844. The country has had numerous constitutions, with sources citing 25 and 39 constitutions, respectively. This high number is partly due to the Dominican practice of promulgating a new constitution whenever an amendment is ratified, resulting in minor modifications rather than sweeping innovations. The constitutions have been shaped by the country's historical context, including periods of foreign control and internal political struggles between liberal and conservative factions. The current constitution, promulgated in 2015, continues to evolve and address the nation's democratic ideals, human rights, and social progress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of constitutions | 39 |
| First constitution | 6 November 1844 |
| Latest constitution | 13 June 2015 |
| Constitutions since 1965 | 1966, 1994, 2002, 2010, 2015 |
| Basic features | Separation of powers, checks and balances |
| 1966 Constitution | Combination of liberal and conservative traditions |
| Long list of basic rights | |
| Strengthened legislature | |
| Extensive powers to the executive, including emergency powers |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- The Dominican Republic has had 39 constitutions since 1844
- The first constitution was liberal, with separation of powers and checks and balances
- The 1966 constitution was a compromise between liberal and conservative traditions
- The 2010 constitution mentions God and other deities
- The 2015 constitution was promulgated on June 13
The Dominican Republic has had 39 constitutions since 1844
The Dominican Republic has had a total of 39 constitutions since gaining independence in 1844. The country's first constitution was promulgated on November 6, 1844, immediately after it achieved independence from Haiti. This constitution was a liberal document that included familiar elements such as separation of powers, checks and balances, and a popularly elected government. It also specified the powers of the Congress and judiciary, and abolished slavery.
However, this constitution was short-lived as it was replaced in 1854 by a more liberal constitution. This new constitution was short-lived as well, as political unrest led to the rise of caudillo Pedro Santana, who changed the constitution in 1854 to fit his autocratic governing style. This began a trend of new governments writing their own constitutions, often to align with their own ideologies and reject the policies and programs of their predecessors. This practice, combined with the country's history of being dominated by either democratic or authoritarian constitutional traditions, led to the high number of constitutions.
The Dominican Republic's constitutions have generally guaranteed basic human rights and appeared democratic and progressive. However, they have been more symbolic than functioning documents. The country's history of constitutional changes reflects a lack of consensus on the rules governing national political life. While the 1966 Constitution sought to bridge the gap between democratic and authoritarian traditions, it still faced criticism for its extensive powers granted to the executive.
The most recent constitutions of the Dominican Republic were enacted in 1994, 2002, 2010, and 2015. The 2015 Constitution, currently in effect, was promulgated on June 13, 2015. It includes provisions such as the respect for human dignity, the indivisible unity of the nation, and the guarantee of fundamental rights and freedoms. It also establishes the Dominican Republic as a free and independent state with sovereignty residing exclusively with its people.
Roosevelt's Foreign Policy: Stretching the Constitution's Limits
You may want to see also
The first constitution was liberal, with separation of powers and checks and balances
The Dominican Republic has had a staggering number of constitutions since its independence in 1844—39, to be exact. This is largely due to the Dominican practice of promulgating a new constitution whenever an amendment is ratified, with each new government seeking to write a new constitution that aligns with its wishes.
The first constitution, promulgated on November 6, 1844, immediately after the nation achieved independence from Haiti, was a liberal document. It called for a popularly elected government and specified the separation of powers and checks and balances. The Congress and judiciary were given defined powers, and the suspension of the constitution was forbidden. The document also abolished slavery and declared Roman Catholicism the state religion, although other sects were free to worship.
This first constitution was a compromise between conservative and liberal factions, but it was rhetorically liberal. It was replaced in 1854 by a more liberal constitution, but political unrest saw caudillo Pedro Santana return to power and change the constitution to fit his autocratic style of governance. This authoritarian document was reflected in several later constitutions from the 1850s to the 1870s, with the exception of the Moca Constitution of 1858, which was politically progressive.
The Dominican Republic has historically oscillated between two constitutional traditions: one relatively democratic and the other authoritarian. The 1966 Constitution, written after the 1965 civil war in which the United States intervened militarily, sought to bridge the gap between these traditions by combining liberal and conservative features. It provided for a modern progressive government, civil liberties, and a strengthened legislature, but it also gave extensive powers to the executive, including emergency powers.
Amending the Constitution: Four Established Methods
You may want to see also
The 1966 constitution was a compromise between liberal and conservative traditions
The Dominican Republic has had a long and tumultuous political history since its independence in 1844, with various constitutions reflecting the changing ideologies and power dynamics within the country. The country has had 25 constitutions since 1844, an unusually high number for a relatively young republic. This high turnover of constitutions can be attributed to the Dominican practice of promulgating a new constitution whenever an amendment is ratified or a new regime seeks to establish its power.
The 1966 Constitution was a significant document in the country's history, coming after the 1965 civil war in which the United States intervened militarily. This constitution was a compromise between the liberal and conservative traditions that had historically divided the country. The Dominican people, led by Joaquín Balaguer and his party, sought to bridge the gap between democratic and authoritarian impulses and avert future conflicts and polarization.
The 1966 Constitution incorporated a long list of basic rights and provided for a strengthened legislature, reflecting a progressive vision for the country. However, it also gave extensive powers to the executive, including emergency powers, which appealed to traditional elites and ensured their continued influence. This balancing act between liberal and conservative ideals was an attempt to satisfy both sides of the political spectrum and foster stability.
The 1966 Constitution, while a step towards progress and stability, was not without its critics. Some saw it as a compromise that fell short of ensuring adequate human rights protections, particularly when compared to the more progressive Moca Constitution of 1858. The country's history of alternating between democratic and authoritarian impulses made it challenging to find a lasting consensus on the role and scope of government.
The 1966 Constitution was replaced by new constitutions in 1994 and 2002, and the country's most recent constitution was promulgated in 2015. While the Dominican Republic has had numerous constitutions, each reflecting the political climate of its time, the underlying tensions between liberal and conservative traditions have persisted, shaping the country's political landscape.
Shays' Rebellion: Prelude to the US Constitution
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$40.9 $69.95
The 2010 constitution mentions God and other deities
The Dominican Republic has had a long and tumultuous political history since its independence in 1844, with various constitutions reflecting the changing ideologies and power dynamics within the country. The country has had an impressive 39 constitutions, with most new constitutions containing only minor modifications from their predecessors. This high number is partly due to the Dominican practice of promulgating a new constitution whenever an amendment is ratified.
The 2010 Constitution of the Dominican Republic mentions God and other deities in its preamble. Specifically, it states: "We, representatives of the Dominican people, free and democratically elected, gathered in the National Revisory Assembly; invoking the name of God; guided by the ideology of our Fathers of the Fatherland, Juan Pablo Duarte, Matias Ramon Mella and Francisco del Rosario Sanchez, and the heroes of the Restoration that established a free, independent, sovereign and democratic Republic".
The reference to God and other deities in the 2010 Constitution is interesting as it reflects the religious and cultural values of the Dominican people. While the country has had a history of religious diversity, with the first constitution of 1844 declaring Roman Catholicism as the state religion while allowing freedom of worship for other sects, the 2010 Constitution seems to take a more inclusive approach by acknowledging multiple deities.
The mention of God and other deities in the 2010 Constitution can also be seen in the context of the document's emphasis on human dignity, freedom, equality, the rule of law, justice, solidarity, and fraternal coexistence. By invoking the name of God, the constitution seeks to emphasize the importance of these values and principles, which are seen as "supreme values and fundamental principles" that should guide the nation.
Additionally, the 2010 Constitution also features religious symbolism in its National Coat-of-Arms. The coat of arms depicts an open Bible on the Gospel of Saint John, Chapter 8, Verse 32, with a cross on top, surrounded by national symbols and colours. The motto on the coat of arms reads, "God, Country, and Liberty," further emphasizing the role of religion in the nation's values and identity.
While the 2010 Constitution mentions God and other deities, it's important to note that the country's constitutions have generally guaranteed basic human rights and appeared democratic and progressive. However, in reality, they have often been more symbolic than functioning documents, with successive governments interpreting and implementing them according to their own wishes and ideologies.
Understanding AWS Regions and Their Availability Zones
You may want to see also
The 2015 constitution was promulgated on June 13
The Dominican Republic has had a long and varied constitutional history since gaining independence from Haiti in 1844. The country has had 25 constitutions since 1844, with some sources stating the number is 39. This high number is due to the Dominican practice of promulgating a new constitution whenever an amendment is ratified, with incoming governments often wishing to write new constitutions to suit their own purposes.
The 2015 constitution contains provisions regarding the organisation of the Dominican state, the powers of the government, and the rights and freedoms of Dominican citizens. It establishes the Dominican Republic as a "Social and Democratic State of Law", organised as a single republic, and based on respect for human dignity and fundamental rights. The constitution also outlines the three independent powers of the state: the Legislative Power, the Executive Power, and the Judicial Power.
The 2015 constitution guarantees the rights of Dominicans to freely express their thoughts, ideas, and opinions, as well as the right to information. It also grants asylum seekers protection and the full exercise of their rights, in accordance with international agreements and norms. Additionally, the constitution allows Dominicans who have adopted another nationality to hold elected or ministerial offices without renouncing their acquired nationality.
The 2015 constitution also includes a ban on same-sex marriage and abortion (Article 55), which was included at the request of the Roman Catholic Church and Evangelical Christians. This has made the Dominican Republic one of only five jurisdictions in the world with a complete ban on abortion.
Citing a Country's Constitution: A Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The Dominican Republic has had 25 constitutions since its independence in 1844.
The first constitution of the Dominican Republic was promulgated on November 6, 1844. It was a liberal document that called for a popularly elected government and specified the powers of the Congress and judiciary. It also forbade the suspension of the constitution and declared Roman Catholicism as the state religion.
The Dominican Republic has gone through 39 constitutions, more than any other country. However, this high number is due to the Dominican practice of promulgating a new constitution whenever an amendment is ratified, rather than making minor modifications to the existing one.
The most recent constitution of the Dominican Republic was promulgated on June 13, 2015.
The 2010 constitution of the Dominican Republic established the country as a free and independent state, with sovereignty residing exclusively in the people. It also guaranteed basic human rights and freedoms, such as freedom of expression, assembly, and association.
