Simone Lawson
Constitutions are important documents that establish the rules and fundamental concepts that govern a state or organisation. While most countries have a written constitution, some, like the UK, have an unwritten one. The length of a constitution varies from country to country, and the number of words can range from a few thousand to over a hundred thousand. The Indian Constitution is the world's longest written constitution, with approximately 145,000 to 146,385 words in its English-language version.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Longest Written Constitution | The longest written constitution in the world is that of India. |
| Number of Words | Approximately 145,000 words |
| Number of Articles | 465 Articles |
| Number of Amendments | 106 Amendments as of 2023 |
| Language | English |
| Enacted On | 26th November 1949 |
| Features | It is a comprehensive document that covers a wide range of topics, including fundamental rights, directive principles, and a detailed structure of government. |
| Influence | The Indian Constitution has been influenced by various sources, including British law, American constitutional law, and the government of India act of 1935. |
| Amendments | The process of amending the Indian Constitution is laid out in the document itself, and it can be amended by a majority vote in both houses of Parliament and, in some cases, ratification by a majority of state legislatures. |
| Interpretation | The interpretation of the Indian Constitution is carried out by the Supreme Court of India, which has the power of judicial review. |
| Suspension | The Indian Constitution has never been suspended or abrogated. |
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What You'll Learn
The Indian Constitution: 146,385 words
The Indian Constitution is the world's longest written constitution for a sovereign nation. It is regarded as the world's longest constitution since it encompasses all the specifics and descriptions of the authorities wielded by the government, legislature, and judiciary. It is also the world's most frequently amended national governing document. The Indian Constitution has been amended 101 or 106 times, with the most recent changes occurring in 2017 or 2023.
The English-language version of the Indian Constitution contains approximately 145,000 or 146,385 words. It has a preface, 448 or 470 articles grouped into 25 sections or parts, 12 schedules, and five appendices. The Constitution's articles are further grouped into parts, including a preamble and sections on the union and its territory, fundamental rights, and the structure, procedures, powers, and duties of government institutions.
The Indian Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India on November 26, 1949, and became effective on January 26, 1950. It replaced the Government of India Act of 1935 as the country's fundamental governing document, and India became a sovereign, democratic republic. The Constitution declares India a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic, assuring its citizens justice, equality, and liberty.
The process of drafting a constitution can vary significantly in duration. 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.
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Alabama's Constitution: longer than India's
As of my information cutoff of January 1, 2023, India has the world's longest written constitution. Some sources, however, argue that Alabama's state constitution is longer than India's when taking into account Alabama's amendments. Let's explore this comparison in more detail.
The Indian constitution, the world's lengthiest, has a deep and complex history. It was drafted over a period of two years, eleven months, and seventeen days, and came into effect on January 26, 1950. At that time, it had 395 articles and approximately 80,000 words. Today, despite some amendments, it remains a comprehensive document, covering a wide range of topics and addressing the needs of a diverse and populous nation. The Indian constitution establishes a parliamentary form of government, guarantees certain fundamental rights, and outlines the structure and powers of the federal government.
Now, let's turn our attention to Alabama's constitution. While Alabama's constitution is not the lengthiest in the world in terms of word count, it is notable for its extensive amendment process. Since its original drafting in 1901, it has undergone a significant number of amendments—so many that these amendments contribute greatly to the overall length of the document. As of 2023, Alabama's constitution, including its amendments, is argued by some sources to be longer than India's. This is largely due to the fact that Alabama has amended its constitution over 900 times, addressing a wide range of issues and policies.
A key difference between the two constitutions lies in their amendment processes. Amending India's constitution requires a higher degree of consensus and a more intricate process. Any amendment bill must be passed by each house of the Indian parliament 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. Some amendments relating to the federal nature of the constitution require ratification by a majority of state legislatures. In contrast, Alabama's constitution can be amended through a less complex process, requiring only a simple majority vote in both houses of the state legislature and approval by a majority of voters in a statewide election.
The ease of amending Alabama's constitution has led to its frequent use as a tool for addressing policy issues and social changes. This has resulted in a lengthy and detailed document that reflects the state's evolving needs and priorities. On the other hand, India's constitution, while longer in its original form, has been amended relatively sparingly, with a focus on maintaining stability and addressing broader, more fundamental issues.
In conclusion, while India's constitution holds the record for being the world's lengthiest, Alabama's constitution, with its numerous amendments, offers an interesting comparison. The differences in their amendment processes and the resulting lengths of the documents highlight the varying approaches that different jurisdictions take to constitutional reform and adaptation.
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Monaco's Constitution: 3,814 words
Constitutions are important documents that establish the rules by which a country is governed. They guarantee that the authority of the state is distributed among various entities and persons and that citizens' rights are protected. Almost every country in the world has a written or unwritten constitution. While some countries, such as the United Kingdom, lack a written constitution, their basic principles are contained in various foundational acts of the legislature, treaties, and court judgments.
The Constitution of Monaco, with 3,814 words, is the world's shortest written constitution. It was first adopted in 1911 after the Monégasque Revolution and heavily revised by Prince Rainier III on 17 December 1962. The Monegasque Constitution outlines three branches of government, including several administrative offices and a number of councils, who share advisory and legislative power with the prince. The constitution also defines the line of succession to the Monegasque throne, with the prince retaining the highest executive power. Judicial power is also invested in the prince, who delegates judicial procedures to the various courts that dispense justice in his name.
The independence of judges is guaranteed by the Monegasque Constitution, and the Supreme Court of Monaco interprets the constitution when necessary. The head of the Monegasque government is the Minister of State, who presides over a six-member Council of Government, helps advise the prince, and is responsible for enforcing the laws. The Communal Council, consisting of fifteen elected members, directs the local affairs of the principality's four quarters: Monaco-Ville, La Condamine, Monte Carlo, and Fontvieille.
In contrast to Monaco's concise constitution, the Indian Constitution is the world's longest written constitution. The English-language version of the Indian Constitution contains 146,385 words, while the German translation is over 188,000 words. The Indian Constitution is a comprehensive document that establishes the country's political code, the functions and organisation of various government entities, and the fundamental rights and obligations of its citizens. It has been amended numerous times to address the diverse needs of the country.
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Ecuador's Constitution: 54,555 words
Ecuador's constitution, which came into effect in 2008, is 54,555 words long. It is the country's 20th constitution, with previous iterations being promulgated in 1830, 1835, 1843, 1845, 1851, 1852, 1861, 1869, 1878, 1884, 1897, 1906, 1929, 1938, 1945, 1946, 1967, 1978, and 1998.
The Ecuadorian constitution is notable for being the first in the world to recognize the Rights of Nature, or ecosystem rights, and the right to food. It also includes provisions for the recognition of same-sex civil unions, and does not criminalize drug consumption, viewing it as a health issue instead. The document outlines Ecuador as a "constitutional State of rights and justice, a social, democratic, sovereign, independent, unitary, intercultural, multinational and secular State," with sovereignty resting in the people.
In comparison, the Indian Constitution, the world's longest written constitution, has approximately 145,000 to 146,385 words. It has been amended over 100 times since its enactment and is the world's most frequently amended national governing document. The Indian Constitution is unique in its level of detail regarding the powers of the government, legislature, and judiciary.
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Zimbabwe's Constitution: 55,833 words
Constitutions are a set of rules or fundamental concepts that aid in the governance of a state or organisation. Most countries have a written constitution, but some, like the United Kingdom, do not. The Indian Constitution is the world's longest written constitution, with 146,385 words in its English-language version. It is regarded as the world's longest since it comprehensively outlines the specifics and descriptions of the authorities wielded by the government, legislature, and judiciary.
In contrast, Zimbabwe's Constitution, which was approved in a referendum on March 16, 2013, and came into force on May 22, 2013, consists of 55,833 words. It establishes Zimbabwe as a unitary, democratic, and sovereign republic, with the Constitution serving as the supreme law of the land. The document outlines the rights and benefits of Zimbabwean citizens, including the protection of the State, the duty to obey the Constitution, and the defence of the country's sovereignty. It also emphasises the importance of promoting and advancing the use of all languages in Zimbabwe, including sign language, and encourages the dissemination of knowledge about the Constitution throughout society.
Zimbabwe's Constitution reflects the country's commitment to fundamental principles such as good governance, national unity, peace, and stability. It also underscores the need to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of its citizens. The Constitution outlines the framework for the country's foreign policy, emphasising the promotion and protection of Zimbabwe's national interests, as well as regional and pan-African cooperation and integration.
The process of drafting, adopting, and ratifying a constitution can vary significantly. While the average time taken to draft a constitution is around 16 months, there have been extreme cases, such as Myanmar's 2008 Constitution, which was secretly drafted over 17 years, and Japan's 1946 Constitution, which was drafted in just one week. The legitimacy and longevity of a constitution are often influenced by the context in which it is adopted, and frequent constitutional changes can impact the separation of powers and the rule of law.
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Frequently asked questions
The Indian Constitution is the world's longest written constitution, with 146,385 words in its English-language version. It has been amended 101 times, with the most recent changes on 28th September 2023.
The Indian Constitution has a preamble and 470 articles, which are grouped into 25 parts. With 12 schedules and five appendices, it is regarded as a one-of-a-kind document. It is the world's biggest written liberal democratic constitution.
The Indian Constitution is significantly longer than other constitutions. For example, the US Constitution has 4,400 words, while the British Constitution has 54,408 words. The Nigerian Constitution is the second-longest in the world, with 66,263 words, but it is still less than half the length of India's.
