Isabella Carter
The Constitution of India, with 146,385 words in its English-language version, is the longest written national constitution in the world. It was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India on November 26, 1949, and became effective on January 26, 1950, when India ceased to be a dominion of the British Crown and became a sovereign, democratic republic. The Constitution of India has been amended 106 times, with the latest amendment given assent on September 28, 2023.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country with the longest constitution | India |
| Number of articles | 448 |
| Number of parts | 22 |
| Number of schedules | 12 |
| Number of amendments | 100+ |
| Number of words in the English version | 146,385 |
| Original number of articles | 395 |
| Date of adoption | 26 November 1949 |
| Date of coming into effect | 26 January 1950 |
| Author | Prem Behari Narain Raizada |
| Father of the Indian Constitution | Dr. BR Ambedkar |
Explore related products
$9.99 $9.99
What You'll Learn
India's constitution: 146,385 words
With approximately 145,000 words, the Indian Constitution is the world's longest for a sovereign nation. It is also the supreme legal document of India. The Indian Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India on 26 November 1949 and became effective on 26 January 1950, replacing the Government of India Act 1935. The country celebrates its constitution on 26 January as Republic Day. The original 1950 constitution is preserved in a nitrogen-filled case at the Parliament Library Building in New Delhi.
The Indian Constitution was originally written in English and handwritten by Prem Behari Narain Raizada. Two copies of the Indian Constitution were handwritten, one in English and one in Hindi. These copies are currently kept in helium-filled cases in the library of the Parliament House. The Constitution of India contains 448 articles grouped in 22 parts with 12 schedules. There were 395 articles originally, and presently, there are 470 articles. The number of articles has increased due to 100 amendments, with the latest amendment given assent on 28 September 2023. The Constitution declares India a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic, assuring its citizens justice, equality, and liberty, and it endeavours to promote fraternity.
The Constitution of India lays down the framework that demarcates the fundamental political code, structure, procedures, powers, and duties of government institutions and sets out fundamental rights, directive principles, and the duties of citizens. It espouses constitutional supremacy, and while it does not contain a provision to limit the powers of the parliament to amend the constitution, certain features of the Indian Constitution are so integral that they cannot be altered or destroyed by the Parliament of India.
Granville Austin referred to the Constitution as "first and foremost a social document, and is aided by its Parts III & IV (Fundamental Rights & Directive Principles of State Policy, respectively) acting together, as its chief instruments and its conscience, in realising the goals set by it for all the people." The Constitution has been deliberately worded in generalities to ensure its flexibility.
Senators of the 1876 Constitution: A Historical Overview
You may want to see also
India's constitution: 448 articles
India's constitution is the longest written constitution of any sovereign country in the world. It is also the second-longest active constitution, after the Constitution of Alabama. The Indian constitution has been amended 103 times, and presently has 470 articles, grouped into 25 parts, with 12 schedules and five appendices. It contains approximately 145,000 words.
The Constitution of India was originally written in English and was handwritten by Prem Behari Narain Raizada. It was drafted by a civil servant, Sir B. N. Rau, who became the first Indian judge in the International Court of Justice. Rau was appointed as the assembly's constitutional advisor in 1946 and prepared its initial draft in February 1948. This draft consisted of 243 articles and 13 schedules, which, after discussions, debates, and amendments, became 395 articles and eight schedules. The final draft was considered, debated, and amended by a seven-member drafting committee, appointed on 29 August 1947, with B. R. Ambedkar as chair.
The Indian Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India on 26 November 1949 and became effective on 26 January 1950, which is celebrated annually as Republic Day. The Constitution replaced the Indian Independence Act 1947 and the Government of India Act 1935, marking India's transition from a dominion of the British Crown to a sovereign, democratic republic.
The Constitution of India lays down the framework for the country's political code, structure, procedures, powers, and duties of government institutions. It establishes a parliamentary system of government, with the executive directly accountable to the legislature. The Constitution also sets out fundamental rights, directive principles, and the duties of citizens. Notably, it includes provisions for the protection of citizens against discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
The Core of Nuclei: Counting Nucleons
You may want to see also
Japan's constitution: oldest unamended
India has the longest written constitution of any sovereign country in the world. The original text of the Constitution contained 395 articles in 22 parts and eight schedules. It came into effect on 26 January 1950 and is celebrated annually as Republic Day. The number of articles has since increased to 448 due to 100 amendments.
Japan, on the other hand, has the oldest unamended constitution in the world. The 1946 Constitution was drafted in a week and is the second-shortest constitution among democracies, with just under 5,000 words. It was written primarily by American civilian officials during the occupation of Japan after World War II. The constitution consists of a preamble and 103 articles grouped into 11 chapters. It is based on the principles of popular sovereignty, pacifism and the renunciation of war, and individual rights.
The Meiji Constitution of 1889 provided for a form of mixed constitutional and absolute monarchy, with the Emperor of Japan as the supreme leader. In contrast, the 1946 Constitution reduced the emperor's role to a "symbol of the State and of the unity of the people", with only ceremonial functions under popular sovereignty.
Amending the Japanese constitution is a difficult process. Article 96 requires a two-thirds supermajority in the Diet, followed by ratification in a national referendum by a simple majority. The brevity of the constitution and its reliance on legislation mean that reforms can often be achieved through simple parliamentary majority, reducing the need for formal amendments.
The longevity of Japan's constitution is unusual, as unamended constitutions typically have a median lifespan of only three years.
Photo Arrays: Constitutional Requirements and Their Impact
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Myanmar's constitution: longest drafting time
The Constitution of India is the longest written constitution of any sovereign country in the world, containing 448 articles grouped into 22 parts with 12 schedules. It was originally composed of 395 articles and was written by Prem Behari Narain Raizada.
Myanmar's Constitution, on the other hand, has the longest drafting time. The country has been ruled by military juntas for most of its history. The 2008 Constitution, the country's third constitution, was published in September 2008 after a referendum and came into force on 31 January 2011. Under the current constitution, the Tatmadaw (Myanmar Armed Forces) retain significant control of the government.
Myanmar's first constitution was adopted by a constituent assembly and enacted for the Union of Burma in 1947. After the 1962 Burmese coup d'état, a second constitution was enacted in 1974. However, in 1988, the military government suspended the 1974 constitution and declared that a new constitution should be drafted.
The process of drafting the new constitution was long and contentious. In 1993, a National Convention on the new constitution was abruptly adjourned due to opposition to a clause stating that the military must have the leading political role. The convention reconvened in 1995, but the National League for Democracy (NLD) pulled out, calling the process undemocratic. In 1996, the government hinted that the NLD may be outlawed, and the NLD responded by saying that they planned to draft a separate constitution.
In 2004, the constitutional convention was reconvened without the NLD. Finally, on April 9, 2008, the military government released its proposed constitution, which was put to a public referendum on May 10, 2008. The 2008 Constitution was drafted over more than 17 years, making it the longest drafting process for a constitution.
Women's Suffrage: A Constitutional Conundrum
You may want to see also
India's constitution: 103 amendments
India's constitution is the longest written constitution in the world, with 448 articles in 25 parts and 12 schedules, along with 105 amendments, making it a comprehensive document that covers a wide range of topics. The process of amending the Indian constitution is a rigorous one and plays a crucial role in shaping the country's laws and policies. The 105th amendment is a testament to the evolving nature of India's democracy and its commitment to ensuring that the constitution remains a living and breathing document. Here is a brief overview of India's constitutional amendment process and the significance of the latest amendment:
The amendment process: India's constitution provides for a parliamentary system of government, and the amendment process reflects this. Amendments to the constitution can be proposed by either house of Parliament—the Lok Sabha (Lower House) or the Rajya Sabha (Upper House). The process involves several steps, ensuring a careful and considered approach to any changes. Once a bill to amend the constitution is introduced in either house, it must be passed by a majority of the total membership of that house, and by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting.
If the bill originates in the Lok Sabha and is passed by it, it is then sent to the Rajya Sabha for their approval. However, if the bill originates in the Rajya Sabha, after it is passed, it is sent to the Lok Sabha, where it can be rejected or amended. If rejected, the bill is dropped. If amended, it is sent back to the Rajya Sabha for their consideration of the amendments. This process can continue for a maximum of six months, after which the Lok Sabha can pass the bill regardless, as long as a minimum period of three months has passed.
Once a bill to amend the constitution is passed by both houses, it is presented to the President of India for their assent. The President can assent or withhold assent, but cannot return the bill for reconsideration, making this a one-time decision. This process ensures that any changes to the constitution undergo rigorous scrutiny and discussion and require a broad consensus among lawmakers.
Significance of the 105th Amendment: The 105th amendment to India's constitution, officially known as the Constitution (One Hundred and Fifth Amendment) Act, 2023, addresses a significant issue concerning the inclusion and representation of marginalized communities. This amendment focuses on two key aspects: enhancing the representation of the Anglo-Indian community and addressing issues related to the reservation of seats for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Lok Sabha and the state legislative assemblies.
The amendment ensures that the President can, if advised by the appropriate government, nominate two members of the Anglo-Indian community to the Lok Sabha. This provision will remain in force for 10 years from the date of commencement of the 105th Amendment Act. Additionally, the amendment extends the reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies by another 10 years, guaranteeing their representation and ensuring that they have a voice in law-making processes.
In conclusion, India's constitution and its amendment process reflect the country's commitment to a democratic framework that is inclusive, responsive, and adaptable to the needs of its diverse population. The 105th amendment is a significant step forward in ensuring that marginalized communities are represented in decision-making processes, contributing to a more equitable and just society. The lengthy and detailed nature of India's constitution, along with its numerous amendments, highlights the country's dedication to constitutionalism and the rule of law.
Forensic Photography: False Representation and Its Unclear Boundaries
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
India has the world's longest constitution.
The English version of the Indian constitution is approximately 145,000 words long, or 146,385 words according to another source. It contains a preamble and 448 articles in 25 parts, 12 schedules, and 5 appendices.
The Indian constitution has been amended 101 times, according to most sources. However, one source states that it has been amended 103 times.
Monaco has the shortest constitution in the world, at 3,814 words.
