Eleanor Finch
The last amendment to the Constitution of Tonga was in 2021. The Constitution was first enacted in 1875 by King George Tupou I and has been amended several times since. The most recent revision was in 2013, which incorporated amendments up until December 31, 1988. The constitution outlines the makeup of the Tongan Government and the balance between its executive, legislature, and judiciary. It also stipulates the basic human rights of the people of Tonga, including freedom of worship, press, speech, petition, and assembly. Amendments to the constitution must be passed by the Legislative Assembly three times and be unanimously supported by the Privy Council and the Cabinet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Last Amendment | 2013 |
| Date of Enactment | 4 November 1875 |
| Enacted By | King George Tupou I |
| Type of Government | Semi-constitutional monarchy |
| Legislative Power | Vested in the Legislative Assembly |
| Judicial System | Court of Appeal (Privy Council), Supreme Court, Magistrates Court, Land Court |
| Number of Legislative Assembly Members | 34 (including the Cabinet) |
| Number of Assembly Members Elected by Universal Suffrage | 9 |
| Minimum Age of Electors | 21 |
| Rights Granted | Freedom of worship, press, speech, petition, and assembly; basic rights of the accused; national tax in return for protection of life, liberty, and property; equal accountability of soldiers to civil law; naturalization for foreigners after 5 years of residence |
| Unamendable Provisions | Law of liberty, monarchical succession, titles and estates of nobles |
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What You'll Learn
The Constitution of Tonga was last amended in 2013
The Constitution of Tonga, first enacted in 1875, was last amended in 2013. The constitution is the supreme law under which the Government of Tonga operates. It stipulates the makeup of the Tongan Government and the balance between its executive, legislature, and judiciary.
The constitution can be amended by the Legislative Assembly, provided this does not affect the "law of liberty", the monarchical succession, or the titles or estates of the nobles. Amendments must pass the Legislative Assembly three times and be unanimously supported by the Privy Council and the Cabinet.
The 2013 revision of the constitution included amendments such as the requirement for members of the Royal Family who are in line for the throne to obtain the King's consent before marrying. It also included the power of the King to cancel the right of such persons and their heirs to succeed to the Crown of Tonga if they marry without his consent.
The 2013 revision also included provisions for the Legislative Assembly to determine the amount of taxes to be paid by the people, customs duties, and fees for trading licenses. It also outlined the procedure for the Legislative Assembly to discuss and enact amendments to the constitution, provided they do not affect certain unamendable provisions.
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The Legislative Assembly can amend the constitution
The Kingdom of Tonga is a semi-constitutional monarchy, with the King exercising executive power through his Cabinet. The Constitution of Tonga, enacted by King George Tupou I on 4 November 1875, is the supreme law under which the Government of Tonga operates. It stipulates the makeup of the Tongan Government and the balance between its executive, legislature, and judiciary.
The Legislative Assembly holds legislative power and can amend the constitution. However, there are certain limitations to this power. Firstly, amendments must not affect the "law of liberty", monarchical succession, or the titles and estates of the nobles. Secondly, amendments must pass the Legislative Assembly three times and be unanimously supported by the Privy Council and the Cabinet. Only then can the King assent, and the amendment becomes law.
The Constitution has been amended several times since its enactment in 1875. The revised Constitution of 1988 incorporates all amendments up to 31 December 1988, including the 1966 Act to amend the Constitution, which related to the Court of Appeal. Other notable amendments include Act 35 of 1912, amended by Act 28 of 1978, which pertains to the naturalization of foreigners and their rights.
The most recent amendment to the Constitution of Tonga was in 2013, which included changes such as the requirement for members of the Royal Family likely to succeed to the throne to obtain the King's consent before marrying. This amendment also reaffirmed the Legislative Assembly's power to discuss and enact constitutional amendments, provided the aforementioned limitations are respected.
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Amendments must be unanimously supported by the Privy Council
The Kingdom of Tonga is a semi-constitutional monarchy, with the King exercising executive power through his Cabinet. The Constitution of Tonga, enacted by King George Tupou I on 4 November 1875, is the supreme law under which the Government of Tonga operates. It stipulates the makeup of the Tongan Government and the balance between its executive, legislature, and judiciary.
The Constitution has been amended several times since its enactment, with the most recent revision occurring in 2013. While the Legislative Assembly can propose amendments, these amendments must not affect the "law of liberty", the monarchical succession, or the titles or estates of the nobles.
For an amendment to be passed, it must go through a rigorous process. Firstly, it must pass the Legislative Assembly three times. Subsequently, it must be submitted to the King and unanimously supported by both the Privy Council and the Cabinet. Only then can the King assent, and the amendment becomes law when signed by the King.
The Privy Council, which includes the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court, the Magistrates' Court, and the Land Court, is a crucial part of the Tongan government. It serves both the executive and judiciary branches, advising the monarch on executive authority and acting as a supreme court. This dual role ensures that any amendments to the Constitution are thoroughly vetted and in line with the interests of the nation.
The unanimous support of the Privy Council is essential to maintaining the integrity of the Constitution and ensuring that any changes do not undermine the rights and freedoms it guarantees. This process helps to protect the basic human rights of the people of Tonga, including freedom of worship, press, speech, petition, and assembly, as well as the right to equal law regardless of class or ethnicity.
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The constitution was first enacted in 1875
The Kingdom of Tonga is a semi-constitutional monarchy, with the King exercising executive power through his Cabinet. The Constitution of Tonga was first enacted on November 4, 1875, by King George Tupou I, and it is the supreme law under which the Government of Tonga operates. The anniversary of its passage is celebrated annually as Tonga's Constitution Day.
The constitution is divided into three parts. The first part is a declaration of the rights of the Tongan people, which includes basic human rights and civil liberties such as freedom of worship, press, speech, petition, and assembly. It also establishes Tonga as a free nation, prohibits slavery, and ensures equal rights for all citizens regardless of class or ethnicity. The second part addresses the form of government, including the balance between the executive, legislature, and judiciary. The third part provides laws for land ownership, succession, and sale.
The constitution has been amended several times since its enactment in 1875. Notable amendments include the 1966 Act to amend the Constitution, which related to the Court of Appeal, and Act 28 of 1978, which substituted the minimum age for the first chamber and the head of state. The constitution was also revised in 1988 and 2013 to reflect changes in legislation and the needs of the nation.
The process of amending the constitution is stringent and requires the Legislative Assembly to pass the amendment three times before submitting it to the King. The Privy Council and the Cabinet must then unanimously support the amendment for it to become law. This process ensures that any changes to the constitution are carefully considered and have the full support of the King and the Legislative Assembly.
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It was revised in 1988
The Kingdom of Tonga is a semi-constitutional monarchy, with the monarch exercising executive power through their cabinet. The constitution of Tonga was first enacted by King George Tupou I on 4 November 1875 and was subsequently amended on various dates.
The last amendment to the constitution of Tonga was made in 1988, with the revised constitution incorporating all amendments up to 31 December 1988. This included the 1966 Act to amend the Constitution, which related to the Court of Appeal, but had not been brought into operation by the end of 1988.
The constitution of Tonga can be amended by the Legislative Assembly, provided that the changes do not affect the "law of liberty", monarchical succession, or the titles and estates of the nobles. Amendments must pass the Legislative Assembly three times and be unanimously supported by the Privy Council and the Cabinet before being signed into law by the King.
The 1988 revision of the Tongan constitution included a range of provisions, such as the establishment of a national tax in return for protection of life, liberty, and property, and the right of foreigners to become naturalized citizens after residing in the kingdom for at least five years. The constitution also set the minimum age for the head of state at 18 years for members of the Royal Family and 21 years for all others.
The 1988 revision also included amendments made by Act 28 of 1978, which stated that no government official could engage in trade or work for anyone else without the prior consent of the Cabinet. It also addressed the qualifications required to serve on a jury and the publication of eligible individuals' names.
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