Simone Lawson
The Bahamas is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy with a Prime Minister as the Head of Government. The islands gained their independence from the United Kingdom in 1973, and the final constitutional change was consummated on 20 June 1973 when the British Parliament enacted the Bahamas Independence Order 1973. This constitution, also known as The Constitution of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, came into effect on 10 July 1973, when the islands became a sovereign independent state.
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What You'll Learn
The Bahamas Independence Order 1973
On this date, The Bahamas became a sovereign democratic state and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Shortly after independence, Sir Milo Butler was appointed the first governor-general of the Bahamas, serving as the official representative of Queen Elizabeth II. The Bahamas also joined the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank on August 22, 1973, and the United Nations on September 18, 1973.
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The Bahamas became a sovereign independent state
Prior to this, in 1969, the name "Commonwealth of the Bahama Islands" was adopted, but it was not until 1973 that the country gained complete independence and the official name change took effect. The Bahamas' journey towards independence began even earlier, with the country gaining full internal self-government in 1964, retaining the governor's powers only for foreign affairs, defense, and internal security.
The Bahamas' constitution, established in 1973, is the supreme law of the country. It outlines the country's democratic framework, with a Prime Minister as the Head of Government and a King or Queen as the Head of State. The constitution also protects fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech, press, worship, movement, and association.
As a former British colony, The Bahamas' political and legal traditions closely follow those of the United Kingdom. The country's judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature, and its jurisprudence is based on English common law. The Bahamas also has a multi-party system, dominated by the Progressive Liberal Party and the Free National Movement.
The Bahamas has continued its relationship with the Commonwealth of Nations, remaining a member even after gaining independence. The country is also a part of other international organizations, including the United Nations, the Caribbean Community, and the Organization of American States.
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The Bahamas chose to remain a member of the Commonwealth
The Bahamas became a sovereign independent state on July 10, 1973, when the British Parliament enacted the Bahamas Independence Order 1973, granting the country full independence. The Bahamas chose to remain a member of the Commonwealth, and it still is today. This decision was likely influenced by the country's history as a former British colony and its close political and legal ties to the United Kingdom.
As a member of the Commonwealth, The Bahamas recognises King Charles III as its monarch and head of state. The Bahamian monarchy is a system of government where the monarch is the sovereign and head of state, with the current monarch being the King of the Bahamas. While the person of the sovereign is shared with 14 other independent countries within the Commonwealth of Nations, each country's monarchy is legally distinct. As such, the King and other members of the royal family undertake public and private functions as representatives of the Bahamian state.
The Bahamas' constitution, which came into force on July 10, 1973, outlines the country's laws and governance structure. It establishes a parliamentary democracy with a Prime Minister as the Head of Government. The constitution also protects fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech, press, worship, movement, and association.
The Bahamas' decision to remain in the Commonwealth provides several benefits. It allows the country to maintain its relationship with the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth nations, fostering diplomatic and economic ties. Additionally, the Commonwealth provides a platform for international cooperation and collaboration, as seen through The Bahamas' membership in organisations such as the Caribbean Community and the United Nations.
Furthermore, the Commonwealth offers a sense of shared history and values, particularly through the monarchy. The monarchy in The Bahamas is largely symbolic and cultural, acting as a symbol of legal authority. It provides stability and continuity, with the Crown having the power to appoint a prime minister and the royal assent being required for the Bahamian Parliament to enact laws. The monarchy also has ceremonial and representative functions, as seen through royal visits to the country, such as Prince Harry's tour in 2012 to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
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The constitution is the supreme law
The Bahamas is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy with a prime minister as the head of government. The country's politics take place within a framework of parliamentary democracy. As a former British colony, its political and legal traditions closely mirror those of the United Kingdom.
The Bahamas gained full independence on July 10, 1973, when the British Parliament enacted the Bahamas Independence Order, and the country became a sovereign democratic state. The constitution, established on the same date, is the supreme law of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
The constitution outlines the country's commitment to freedom of speech, press, worship, movement, and association. It also establishes the role of the House of Assembly, which consists of 38 members, elected for five-year terms. The House of Assembly performs all major legislative functions.
The constitution further highlights the role of the Speaker of the House of Assembly, outlining the conditions under which they vacate their office. Additionally, it provides guidelines for emergency provisions, allowing Parliament to extend its term by up to 12 months at a time, for a maximum of two years, during a state of war.
The Bahamas' constitution is a foundational document that shapes the country's governance, protects fundamental rights, and ensures the smooth functioning of its democratic institutions.
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The constitution protects freedom of speech, press, worship, movement, and association
The Bahamas Independence Order 1973, enacted by the British Parliament on 20 June 1973, granted the Bahamas its first constitution and full independence. On 10 July 1973, the Commonwealth of The Bahamas became a sovereign independent state and a member of the Commonwealth.
The constitution of the Bahamas protects several fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech, press, worship, movement, and association. These freedoms are essential components of a democratic society and are enshrined in the country's highest law.
Freedom of speech and press allows individuals and the media to express themselves openly and without censorship. This includes the right to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media platform. This freedom fosters an informed society, where individuals can actively participate in discussions and debates affecting their lives and communities.
Freedom of worship guarantees the right to practice and observe one's religious beliefs without interference or discrimination. It ensures that individuals can freely choose, change, or abandon their religion, and protects the right to worship in private or public.
Freedom of movement grants individuals the right to travel and reside within the country without restrictions. It also includes the right to leave the country and return. This freedom empowers individuals to pursue opportunities, connect with others, and explore diverse cultures and ideas.
Freedom of association allows individuals to assemble and associate peacefully with others for social, cultural, economic, or other purposes. It includes the right to form or join organizations, clubs, or political parties, and to collectively express and promote shared interests or goals.
These freedoms, protected by the constitution, form the foundation of a just and democratic society in the Bahamas, enabling its citizens to actively engage in their political, social, and cultural spheres.
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Frequently asked questions
The Bahamas Independence Order 1973.
On July 10, 1973, the Bahamas gained independence from the United Kingdom.
The Bahamas is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy with a Prime Minister as the Head of Government.
