Isabella Carter
The Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago was first established in 1976 and later amended in 2007. The constitution outlines the nation's foundation upon principles that acknowledge the supremacy of God, fundamental human rights and freedoms, the importance of family, and the dignity of the human person. It also guarantees equality regardless of race, origin, colour, religion, or sex and ensures the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms for all citizens.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Enactment | 1976 (revised in 2007) |
| Territory | The islands of Trinidad and Tobago, their seabed and subsoil, and any territories that were dependencies before 31 August 1962 |
| Supremacy | The Constitution is the supreme law, and any other law inconsistent with it is void |
| Equality | Recognises equality regardless of race, origin, colour, religion, or sex |
| Human Rights | Protects fundamental human rights and freedoms, including the right to a reasonable standard of living and the prohibition of slavery |
| Citizenship | Defines citizenship, including paths to citizenship and the rights of citizens |
| Parliament | Consists of the President, the Senate (31 members appointed by the President), and the House of Representatives |
| Beliefs | Affirms the belief in a democratic society, the supremacy of God, and the dignity of the human person |
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What You'll Learn
The Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago was established in 1976
One of the fundamental principles outlined in the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago is the recognition of human rights and freedoms. The constitution affirms that the nation is founded on principles that acknowledge the supremacy of God, the dignity of the human person, and the inherent rights endowed by the Creator. It guarantees equality for all citizens regardless of race, origin, colour, religion, or gender. The right to a reasonable standard of living and the prohibition of slavery are also included in the constitution.
The constitution also establishes the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago, which consists of the President, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. The Senate, as outlined in the constitution, is composed of 31 members, or Senators, who are appointed by the President.
The Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago also addresses issues of citizenship. It provides for the continuation of citizenship for those who acquired it under previous constitutions or laws, such as the Trinidad and Tobago Citizenship Act of 1962. Additionally, it outlines the requirements for acquiring citizenship by birth or descent and specifies that every person born in Trinidad and Tobago after the commencement of the constitution shall become a citizen at birth.
The document also defines the territorial extent of Trinidad and Tobago, stating that it comprises the islands of Trinidad and Tobago, along with any territories that were dependencies before August 31, 1962, including their territorial seas and continental shelves.
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It was revised in 2007
The Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago was revised in 2007. The original constitution was drafted in 1976 and has since been amended to reflect the country's evolving societal and political landscape. The revisions in 2007 reaffirmed the nation's commitment to fundamental human rights and freedoms, which are central to the constitution.
One of the key aspects of the 2007 revision was the emphasis on equality and the protection of fundamental human rights without discrimination. The constitution recognises and declares that all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago are entitled to equal rights and freedoms, regardless of race, origin, colour, religion, or sex. This revision ensures that the nation's laws and policies are aligned with international human rights standards and reinforce the values of equality and justice.
The 2007 revision also addressed the issue of membership in the House of Representatives. It stipulated that individuals holding certain offices, particularly those involved in conducting elections or revising electoral registers, would be disqualified from membership in the House of Representatives. This provision aimed to maintain the integrity of the electoral process and ensure fair and transparent representation in the country's legislative body.
Additionally, the revision emphasised the supremacy of the Constitution as the supreme law of Trinidad and Tobago. It stated that any law inconsistent with the Constitution would be considered void to the extent of that inconsistency. This assertion reinforces the primacy of the Constitution and ensures that all other laws and regulations within the country are in harmony with the foundational principles outlined in the document.
The 2007 revision also retained the structure of the government, as outlined in the original 1976 Constitution. Trinidad and Tobago's Parliament consists of the President, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. The Senate, comprising 31 members appointed by the President, plays a crucial role in the legislative process and contributes to the law-making function of the country's democratic system.
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It guarantees equality and freedom from discrimination
The Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago guarantees equality and freedom from discrimination. The people of Trinidad and Tobago affirmed that their nation is founded on principles that acknowledge fundamental human rights and freedoms, the dignity of the human person, and the equal and inalienable rights endowed by the Creator. These rights are to be enjoyed without discrimination based on race, origin, colour, religion, or sex.
One of the key aspects of equality and non-discrimination enshrined in the Constitution is the right of individuals to equality before the law and the protection of the law. This means that all people, regardless of their background or identity, are equal under the law and entitled to equal protection of their rights. Additionally, individuals are guaranteed equality of treatment from any public authority in the exercise of its functions.
The Constitution also guarantees the right to respect for private and family life, without interference or discrimination. Parents and guardians are given the right to choose the education of their children, including the school they attend. This ensures that families from all backgrounds have the freedom to make decisions about their children's upbringing without discrimination.
Freedom of association and assembly is another important aspect of equality and non-discrimination. The people of Trinidad and Tobago have asserted their belief in a democratic society where all persons can participate in national institutions and maintain respect for lawfully constituted authority. Individuals have the right to join political parties and express their political views without discrimination based on their personal characteristics.
The Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago, as outlined above, provides a comprehensive framework for protecting the equality and freedom from discrimination of its citizens. These rights and freedoms are fundamental to the nation's democratic society and are designed to ensure that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their race, origin, colour, religion, or sex.
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It establishes a Parliament with a President, Senate, and House of Representatives
The Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago, established in 1976 and amended in 2007, outlines the country's commitment to democratic values and fundamental human rights. One of its key features is the establishment of a parliamentary system, consisting of a President, a Senate, and a House of Representatives.
The Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago is the country's legislative branch, responsible for creating and passing laws. It is a bicameral legislature, meaning it consists of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. This structure is a common feature of parliamentary systems, intended to provide a system of checks and balances and ensure that laws are thoroughly debated and scrutinized.
The Senate, as outlined in Section 39 of the Constitution, consists of 31 members, known as Senators. These Senators are appointed by the President and are responsible for representing the various regions and interests of the country. The Senate plays a crucial role in the legislative process by reviewing and amending bills passed by the House of Representatives.
The House of Representatives, on the other hand, is the primary law-making body within the Parliament. Its members are elected by the people of Trinidad and Tobago, ensuring that the body represents the diverse interests and needs of the population. This body introduces and debates legislation, passing bills that then move to the Senate for further review.
The President, as the head of state, plays a crucial role in the parliamentary system. They are responsible for appointing the Senators, ensuring that the Senate represents a range of perspectives. Additionally, the President has the power to assent to bills passed by both houses of Parliament, giving them the force of law. The President also has the authority to dissolve the Parliament in specific circumstances, triggering fresh elections to maintain democratic accountability.
The establishment of this parliamentary system, as outlined in the Constitution, provides a framework for democratic governance in Trinidad and Tobago. It ensures that the legislative process is inclusive, representative, and accountable to the people, reflecting the country's commitment to democratic principles and the protection of fundamental human rights.
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It outlines citizenship rights and pathways
The Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago outlines citizenship rights and pathways, which are regulated by the Trinidad and Tobago Constitution Order of 1962, the 1976 Citizenship Act, and its revisions, as well as various British Nationality laws. The Constitution establishes that any person who was a citizen under the former Constitution or acquired citizenship under Part II of the Trinidad and Tobago Citizenship Act remains a citizen. Additionally, every person born in Trinidad and Tobago after the commencement of the new Constitution is a citizen by birth, except in specific cases outlined by law.
Citizenship in Trinidad and Tobago can be obtained through different pathways, including birth, descent, adoption, and naturalisation. For those born outside the country, citizenship by descent is possible if either parent is a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago, excluding cases where the parent acquired citizenship by descent. In such cases, additional requirements must be fulfilled. The Constitution also allows for citizenship by adoption, providing an avenue for children to become citizens.
Ordinary naturalisation is another pathway to citizenship in Trinidad and Tobago. Adult applicants of legal capacity who have resided in the country for at least 12 months and meet the criteria of good character and intention to reside in the country can petition the Minister responsible for immigration. The Minister considers factors such as the applicant's knowledge of the English language and their residency or government service history. Upon approval, applicants take an Oath of Allegiance and may be required to renounce their previous citizenship.
The Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago also recognises and protects fundamental human rights and freedoms for all citizens, regardless of race, origin, colour, religion, or sex. These rights include the right to life, liberty, security, enjoyment of property, freedom of association and assembly, and the right to join political parties and express political views. The Constitution affirms the nation's foundation on principles that acknowledge the supremacy of God, the dignity of the human person, and the equal and inalienable rights endowed by the Creator.
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Frequently asked questions
The Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago was formed in 1976 and was last amended in 2007.
The constitution outlines the fundamental human rights and freedoms of the people of Trinidad and Tobago, including equality regardless of race, origin, colour, religion, or sex. It also establishes a Parliament, consisting of the President, the Senate, and the House of Representatives.
The constitution states that anyone who was a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago under the former constitution will continue to be a citizen under the new constitution. It also outlines the requirements for citizenship by birth or descent.
