Simone Lawson
The US Constitution, ratified on June 21, 1788, is the oldest and shortest written constitution still in force. Since 1789, almost 800 constitutions have been adopted and amended by independent states worldwide. The US Constitution, with 7,762 words, is generally considered the world's oldest written national constitution still in use. However, the Constitution of Monaco, with 3,814 words, is the shortest written constitution in the world.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shortest Constitution | Monaco |
| US Constitution Word Count | 7,762 |
| Oldest Constitution | San Marino |
| Longest Constitution | India |
| US Constitution Articles | 7 |
| US Constitution Amendments | 27 |
| US Constitution Ratification Date | 21 June 1788 |
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What You'll Learn
The US Constitution's length
The US Constitution, comprising 7,762 words, is generally considered the world's oldest written national constitution still in use. It was ratified on June 21, 1788, and has been in force for several centuries, often without any major revisions for long periods. The US Constitution is also the shortest written constitution still in force. Since 1789, nearly 800 constitutions have been adopted and amended worldwide by independent states.
The length of a constitution varies from one nation to another. The US Constitution, for instance, is significantly longer than the world's shortest constitution, which belongs to Monaco, the world's second-smallest nation by area. The governing document of Monaco, comprising 3,814 words, was first adopted in 1911 and extensively revised by Prince Rainier III on December 17, 1962. It is divided into 12 chapters, with further breakdowns into 96 articles.
In contrast, the Constitution of India is the longest written constitution in the world, with 146,385 words in its English-language version. This extensive document outlines the country's governing principles and laws, demonstrating the variation in length and complexity among constitutions worldwide.
The length of a constitution's drafting process can also vary significantly. For example, Myanmar's 2008 Constitution was secretly drafted over 17 years, while Japan's 1946 Constitution was drafted in just one week. The average time taken to draft a constitution is around 16 months, according to a 2009 study.
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The longevity of the US Constitution
In contrast, the US Constitution, ratified on June 21, 1788, has endured for centuries, often with long periods without significant revisions. This longevity is even more impressive considering the relatively short time it took to draft the document. While the average time to draft a constitution is around 16 months, there have been cases where the process was expedited, such as Japan's 1946 Constitution, which was drafted in just one week.
The US Constitution's endurance can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, it was a collaborative effort by some of the country's greatest minds, including influential figures like Thomas Jefferson, whose ideas and predictions regarding the optimal lifespan of constitutions may have shaped the document's longevity. Secondly, the constitution became a benchmark for republicanism and codified constitutions that followed. Its influence extended beyond US borders, solidifying its impact on a global scale.
Additionally, the US Constitution's adaptability has contributed to its longevity. While it has endured for centuries, it has also undergone amendments and interpretations to suit the changing needs and contexts of a evolving nation. This flexibility has allowed it to remain relevant and applicable in modern times, despite being drafted in the late 18th century.
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Comparison with India's lengthy constitution
The US Constitution, at 4,400 words, is often regarded as the world's oldest written constitution that is still in use. However, it is not the shortest, with that distinction going to the 3,814-word constitution of Monaco, the world's second-smallest country. In contrast, India's constitution is the longest in the world, with 145,000 words, making it over 30 times longer than the US Constitution.
The Indian Constitution is the supreme legal document of India and the lengthiest written national constitution globally. It outlines the fundamental political code, structure, procedures, powers, and duties of government institutions, as well as the fundamental rights, directive principles, and citizen duties. The constitution-making process in India was a collaborative effort involving the Constituent Assembly, which was elected by the provincial assemblies. The assembly, comprising 389 members (later reduced to 299 after the partition), took almost three years to draft the constitution, holding eleven sessions over 165 days. The constitution has been amended over 100 times since its enactment, with the number of articles increasing to 448 from the original 395.
The US Constitution, on the other hand, is a more concise document, with 7,762 words. It is the result of a group effort by some of the country's greatest minds, although most of the credit goes to one Founding Father. The US Constitution is the world's oldest written national constitution still in use, having been adopted in 1787. It serves as the supreme law of the United States, providing the framework for the country's governance and outlining the rights and liberties of its citizens.
The length of a country's constitution can be influenced by various factors, including the country's size, political system, and historical context. India, as the world's largest democracy, may require a more extensive constitution to accommodate the diverse needs and interests of its vast population. Additionally, India's unique socio-political landscape, including its commitment to decentralized administration and its model of secularism, may contribute to the length of its constitution.
In conclusion, while the US Constitution is certainly not the world's shortest, India's constitution is notably longer, making it the world's lengthiest. The differences in length reflect the distinct historical, cultural, and political contexts of the two countries, with India's lengthier constitution accommodating its larger and more complex democratic framework.
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Monaco's shorter constitution
The US Constitution, at 7,762 words, is generally considered the world's oldest written national constitution still in use. However, it is not the shortest. That distinction goes to the tiny European nation of Monaco, which has a constitution of just 3,814 words.
First adopted in 1911, the Constitution of Monaco was extensively revised by Prince Rainier III on December 17, 1962. The document outlines the arms of government, administrative offices, and councils that share legislative and advisory powers with the prince.
The prince retains the highest executive power, while the Minister of State is the head of government. The constitution also defines the line of succession to the Monegasque throne and outlines the powers of the unicameral National Council. The National Council can initiate a review of the constitution with a two-thirds majority, but any changes require the signature of the prince.
The independence of the judiciary is guaranteed by the constitution, with the Supreme Court interpreting the constitution and deciding on the compliance of laws and procedures. The constitution also establishes Monaco as a sovereign and independent state, with the territory being unalienable.
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Constitution drafting speed records
The US Constitution, written in 1789, is the oldest and shortest written constitution still in force. Since its creation, nearly 800 constitutions have been adopted and amended by independent states.
The process of drafting a constitution can take a varied amount of time. A 2009 study found that the average time taken to draft a constitution is around 16 months. However, there are some notable outliers. For example, Myanmar's 2008 Constitution was secretly drafted over 17 years, while Japan's 1946 Constitution was drafted in under a week.
The record for the shortest overall process of drafting, adoption, and ratification of a national constitution belongs to Romania's 1938 constitution, which installed a royal dictatorship in less than a month.
The length of a constitution is not always indicative of the time taken to draft it. Monaco, the world's second-smallest country, has the shortest written constitution, with approximately 3,800 words. In contrast, India's constitution, which contains at least 145,000 words, is the longest.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the US Constitution is not the world's shortest. The US Constitution is, however, the oldest and longest-standing written and codified national constitution in force in the world.
Monaco, the world's second-smallest country, has the shortest constitution in the world.
The US Constitution has 7,762 words.
Monaco's constitution has 3,814 words.
