Simone Lawson
Constitutions are a set of principles that define the basis of power and are collectively understood. While there is no requirement for them to be written down, many countries have codified constitutions. The length of these constitutions varies greatly. The shortest constitution in the world is that of Indonesia, with only 1,393 words. In contrast, the lengthiest written constitution belongs to India, with 146,385 words in the English-language version. Interestingly, the U.S. Constitution, with 7,762 words, is considered the world's oldest written national constitution still in use.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country with the smallest constitution in the world | Monaco |
| Number of words | 3,814 |
| Year of adoption | 1962 |
| Ruler during the adoption | Prince Rainier III |
| Previous constitution | Yes, in 1911 by Prince Albert I |
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What You'll Learn
Monaco's constitution
The Principality of Monaco is a sovereign and independent state, with the territory being unalienable. The principle of government is a hereditary and constitutional monarchy, with the prince at the top. The prince's persona is inviolable, and he exercises executive power, with legislative power being shared between him and the National Council. The judiciary power is exercised by the courts and tribunals, with the prince delegating judicial procedures to the various courts, which dispense justice in his name. The independence of the judges is guaranteed by the constitution.
The constitution also defines the line of succession to the Monegasque throne, with this section being modified most recently in 2002. The principality's head of government is the Minister of State, who presides over a six-member Council of Government, advises the prince, and is responsible for enforcing the laws. The National Council votes on the budget, with budget bills introduced before 30 September and voted upon in October. The National Council's meetings are public, though they can decide to sit in a private session with a two-thirds majority.
The Minister of State and Government Councillors have reserved entrances and seats at the National Council's meetings. The minutes of the public meetings are published in "Le Journal de Monaco". The Prince communicates with the National Council through messages read by the Minister of State.
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India's lengthy constitution
The length of a country's constitution can vary significantly, and the search results for the country with the smallest constitution in the world yield some interesting findings. While some countries have concise and succinct constitutions, others, like India, have very detailed and lengthy ones.
India's constitution is the lengthiest written constitution of any country on a global scale. It took two years, eleven months, and seventeen days to draft, and it came into effect on January 26, 1950. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, often regarded as the architect of India's constitution, played a pivotal role in its drafting. The constitution of India encompasses a broad array of topics and subjects, reflecting the country's complex history, diverse population, and the aspirations of its people.
The length of India's constitution can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, India is a vast country with a rich cultural and historical heritage, and the constitution aims to accommodate and address the needs and concerns of its diverse population. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including fundamental rights, directive principles, the structure of the government, and provisions for socio-economic welfare and justice. Secondly, the constitution also reflects the influence of various political philosophies and ideologies. It draws inspiration from other constitutional documents, including the British system of parliamentary democracy, the US federal structure, and the French concept of constitutionalism.
The constitution of India consists of a preamble, originally 395 articles, and 8 schedules. Through the 104th amendment act, 2020, the number of articles rose to 448 due to the addition of 54 articles. There are now 25 parts, with the initial 13 remaining unchanged. Similarly, the 12 schedules have expanded to 105, with 100 schedules added. The constitution has been amended numerous times since its enactment to address the changing needs and dynamics of the country. These amendments cover a wide range of issues, including issues of language, land reforms, civil rights, and the extension of reservations for socially disadvantaged communities.
Despite its length and complexity, the Indian constitution is a remarkable document that has withstood the test of time. It has provided a stable framework for governance and has been instrumental in shaping India's democracy. The constitution also serves as a source of inspiration for other countries, particularly those with diverse populations and complex histories, seeking to establish or reform their constitutional frameworks.
In conclusion, while India's lengthy constitution may be an outlier in terms of its word count, it is a testament to the country's commitment to a comprehensive and inclusive framework of governance. The constitution's detailed nature ensures that the rights and needs of all citizens are addressed, and it continues to be a living document that adapts to the evolving needs of India and its people.
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US Constitution
The US Constitution, composed of a preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments, is generally considered the world's oldest written national constitution still in use. It was drafted during the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, which convened on May 25, 1787, and concluded with the document's signing on September 17 of that year. The first 10 amendments are collectively known as the Bill of Rights. The US Constitution superseded the Articles of Confederation, the nation's first constitution, on March 4, 1789.
The seven articles of the US Constitution outline the basic framework of the federal government. The first three articles embody the doctrine of the separation of powers, dividing the federal government into three branches: the legislative, consisting of the bicameral Congress (Article I); the executive, consisting of the President and subordinate officers (Article II); and the judicial, consisting of the Supreme Court and other federal courts (Article III).
Articles IV, V, and VI embody concepts of federalism, describing the rights and responsibilities of state governments, the states' relationship to the federal government, and the shared process of constitutional amendment. Article VII establishes the procedure used by the 13 states to ratify the Constitution.
The US Constitution has undergone 27 amendments, with the most recent one being ratified in 1992. The Third Amendment (1791) prohibits the federal government from forcing individuals to provide lodging to soldiers in their homes during peacetime without their consent. The Fourth Amendment (1791) protects people against unreasonable searches and seizures of either self or property by government officials.
While the US Constitution is the oldest and among the shortest written national constitutions, it is worth noting that some US state constitutions are significantly longer. For example, the Alabama State Constitution is considered the longest constitution in the world, with 300,000 words.
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Unwritten vs. codified constitutions
The Constitution of Monaco is the shortest written constitution in the world, with 3,814 words.
A written constitution is one that has been meticulously written down and embodied in a single document. An unwritten constitution, on the other hand, is one in which the provisions or laws are not set out in a single document but are still documented in various forms. An uncodified constitution is a type of constitution where the fundamental rules often take the form of customs, usage, precedent, and a variety of statutes and legal instruments. While an unwritten constitution may lack a specific moment where the principles of its government were deliberately decided, it allows for more flexibility and adaptability to changing needs and values. For example, the UK's unwritten constitution has been referred to as a "living constitution" because it evolves and adapts to reflect changing social attitudes. Additionally, without a clear and established set of rules, a country with a written constitution may be more vulnerable to an abuse of power.
However, unwritten constitutions can lead to uncertainty and disputes within the legal system. The lack of a clear, codified document outlining the rules and principles of government can make it difficult to determine what is and is not constitutional. This uncertainty may undermine the legitimacy of the constitution and make it more challenging to enforce the law effectively.
Countries with unwritten or uncodified constitutions include the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Israel, and Sweden. These countries' constitutions are instead formed of Acts of Parliament, court judgments, conventions, and other written and unwritten sources.
While the Constitution of Monaco is the shortest written constitution, the Alabama State Constitution is the longest, with 300,000 words.
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Alabama's lengthy constitution
As of my last update in 2023, Monaco has the distinction of having the world's smallest constitution, with a mere 3,814 words. In stark contrast, the state of Alabama is known for its lengthy and detailed constitution, which is one of the longest in the world.
The Alabama Constitution, adopted in 1901, is a comprehensive document that specifies the powers and duties of the state government and enumerates the rights of its citizens. It is a product of its time, reflecting the political, social, and economic concerns of the early 20th century. One of the primary motivations for drafting a new constitution at the turn of the century was to maintain white supremacy and disenfranchise African Americans, which is evident in its original text. While these discriminatory provisions have since been rendered ineffective by federal law and court decisions, they remain a part of the document.
The length of Alabama's constitution is due in large part to its highly specific nature. Unlike more concise constitutions that outline broad principles and leave the details to be fleshed out in legislation, Alabama's constitution delves into minutiae. It contains an extensive array of amendments, many of which deal with very specific issues or even single entities. For example, there are sections dedicated to the regulation of livestock brands, the establishment of a "Right to Bear Arms Unit" within the Alabama State Troopers, and the creation of a commission to preserve the USS Alabama battleship.
Another factor contributing to its length is the large number of amendments that have been added over the years. Amending the Alabama Constitution is a relatively straightforward process, requiring only a simple majority in both houses of the state legislature and approval by a majority of voters in a referendum. As a result, special interests have found it relatively easy to get provisions benefiting them embedded in the constitution. This has led to what some critics refer to as a "Swiss cheese" constitution, full of holes and exceptions benefiting specific groups.
The length and complexity of Alabama's constitution have led to calls for reform and efforts to rewrite it. Critics argue that such a detailed constitution makes it difficult for citizens to understand their fundamental rights and responsibilities and hampers the state's ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Additionally, the amendment process has led to a document that some believe is incoherent and inconsistent, with various provisions contradicting each other.
Despite these criticisms, efforts to rewrite the Alabama Constitution have faced significant challenges. In 2012, a constitutional reform commission was established to review the document and propose changes. However, their recommendations were ultimately rejected by voters, who feared that the proposed changes would weaken their local representation and rights. As a result, Alabama continues to operate under one of the world's longest and most detailed constitutions, a stark contrast to the concise framework of Monaco's fundamental law.
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Frequently asked questions
Monaco has the shortest written constitution in the world. It has approximately 3,800 words and was first adopted in 1911.
The constitution of Monaco can be reviewed in full or in part. For the review process to be initiated, there has to be a joint agreement between the prince and the unicameral National Council.
India has the longest written constitution in the world with 145,000 to 146,385 words.
