Simone Lawson
Constitutions are the aggregate of fundamental principles or precedents that determine how an entity is governed. They can be codified, meaning they are contained in a single document, or uncodified, meaning they are spread across several documents. The Constitution of India is the longest written constitution of any sovereign country in the world, with 146,385 words in its English-language version. The Indian Constitution is a unique blend of rigidity and flexibility, and it lays down the fundamental political code and structures, powers and duties of the government, and the fundamental rights and duties of citizens.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of words | 145,000 to 146,385 |
| Number of articles | 448 |
| Number of schedules | 12 |
| Number of sections | 25 |
| Number of appendices | 5 |
| Number of amendments | 100-103 |
| Number of handwritten copies | 2 |
| Number of languages | 2 |
| Date of adoption | 26 November 1949 |
| Date of coming into effect | 26 January 1950 |
| Date of last amendment | 1 July 2017 |
| Date of celebration | 26 January |
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What You'll Learn
India's constitution is the world's longest liberal democratic constitution
India's Constitution is the longest written constitution of any sovereign country in the world. It is approximately 145,000 words long, far surpassing the 4,400 words of the United States Constitution. The Indian Constitution has 448 articles grouped into 22 or 25 parts, 12 schedules, and five appendices. It has been amended over 100 times, with the most recent changes on 28 September 2023. The Constitution was originally written in English and Hindi and is preserved in a nitrogen- and helium-filled case in the Parliament Library Building in New Delhi.
The Constitution of India is a unique document that establishes the rules by which the country is governed. It is the world's biggest written liberal democratic constitution, declaring India a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic. It assures its citizens justice, equality, and liberty and endeavours to promote fraternity. The Constitution also lays down the framework that demarcates the fundamental political code, structure, procedures, powers, and duties of government institutions and sets out the fundamental rights, directive principles, and duties of citizens.
The Indian Constitution was composed between 1947 and 1950 and came into effect on 26 January 1950, celebrated annually as Republic Day. It was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India on 26 November 1949, a day now designated as Constitution Day or Samvidhan Divas. The roots of India's Constitution run deep into the country's struggle for independence, and its framers borrowed features from previous legislation such as the Government of India Acts of 1858 and 1935, the Indian Councils Acts of 1861, 1892, and 1909, and the Indian Independence Act of 1947.
The Constitution of India is the supreme legal document of the country and is considered the highest authority. It is a dynamic instrument that adapts to changing times through interpretation and amendments. While the process for amendments is rigorous, requiring a two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament, India's Constitution remains one of the most frequently amended in the world, ensuring it serves the aspirations of its people.
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The US Constitution is the oldest active codified constitution
The US Constitution, which was ratified in 1788 and introduced into operation in 1789, is the oldest active codified constitution in the world. It is considered the oldest because, while the Constitution of San Marino dates back to 1600, not all of it is codified. The US Constitution was the first permanent constitution of its kind and has influenced the constitutions of several other countries.
The US Constitution was ratified on June 21, 1788, after nine of the 13 original states signed it. It went into effect the following March, and a new government was established. Since then, the US Constitution has been amended 27 times, with the first ten amendments collectively known as the Bill of Rights. Many of the United States' founding fathers did not sign the Constitution, including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry, and John Hancock.
The US Constitution is celebrated annually on September 17, Constitution Day, which recognises its adoption and those who have become US citizens.
In contrast, the Constitution of India, which is the world's longest written constitution, was only adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India on November 26, 1949, and became effective on January 26, 1950. It is approximately 145,000–146,385 words long in its English-language version and contains 448 articles grouped into 22 or 25 parts, 12 schedules, and five appendices. It has been amended 101 times, most recently on July 1, 2017.
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The UK has an uncodified constitution
The UK is often said to have an 'unwritten' constitution, but this is not entirely accurate. While the UK does have an uncodified constitution, it is largely written, just in different documents. The UK constitution comprises written and unwritten arrangements that establish the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland as a political body.
The UK's constitution has never been codified or brought together in a single document. In this respect, the UK is unlike most other countries, which have codified constitutions. However, some countries, like New Zealand and Israel, also lack a codified constitution. Typically, a codified constitution is produced following a major historical turning point, such as a revolution or a country's independence. The UK has not experienced such an event, and therefore has not had cause to codify its constitution.
The main disadvantage of an uncodified constitution is that it is harder to understand. It is also easier to amend than a codified constitution. However, this flexibility can be seen as an advantage, as it enables the government to respond to current issues. For example, the UK's uncodified constitution has allowed for the removal of hereditary peers from the House of Lords, the introduction of the Human Rights Act, devolution to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and the creation of the Supreme Court.
The UK's uncodified constitution means that the ultimate sovereignty lies with parliament, which can override any decisions. This can be seen as beneficial due to the flexibility and ability to meet current demands, but also as damaging as it gives the government the power to make decisions that could harm citizens' rights. For example, UK data retention laws allow the government to keep personal data for 'as long as there is an administrative need', an invasion of privacy that a codified constitution could prevent.
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Monaco has the world's shortest written constitution
The Indian Constitution is the world's longest written constitution, with 448 articles (originally 395) grouped into 22 parts and 12 schedules. It has been amended 101 times, with the most recent changes on 1 July 2017. In stark contrast, Monaco, the world's second-smallest country, has the shortest written constitution. The Constitution of Monaco, first adopted in 1911 after the Monégasque Revolution, was heavily revised by Prince Rainier III on 17 December 1962. It is currently the shortest constitution in force.
The Indian Constitution is approximately 145,000 words long in English, while Monaco's constitution has 3,814 words. The Indian Constitution explains the country's political code, the functions and organisation of various government entities, and the fundamental rights and obligations of its citizens. It is the highest authority in the country. On the other hand, the Constitution of Monaco outlines the three branches of government, including administrative offices and councils, who share advisory and legislative power with the prince. The prince retains the highest executive power, but the head of government is the Minister of State, who helps advise the prince and enforces the laws.
The Monégasque constitution also defines the line of succession to the Monegasque throne, and this section was modified in 2002. Judicial power is invested in the prince, who delegates judicial procedures to the various courts that dispense justice in his name. The independence of the judges is guaranteed by the constitution, and the Supreme Court of Monaco is the highest court for judicial appeals. It also interprets the constitution when necessary.
The first chapter of the Monégasque constitution highlights the nature of the principality and its public power, while the second chapter deals with succession to the throne. The constitution cannot be suspended, but it can be reviewed in full or in part with a joint agreement between the prince and the unicameral National Council. The country's laws remain applicable unless they are incompatible with the constitution.
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The Indian Constitution is the highest authority in the country
The Indian Constitution is the world's longest written constitution for a sovereign nation. It is approximately 145,000 words long, with 448 articles (originally 395) divided into 25 sections and 12 schedules. The Indian Constitution was written in English and was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India on 26 November 1949, becoming effective on 26 January 1950, which is celebrated annually as Republic Day. The date of 26 January marks India's transition from being a dominion of the British Crown to a sovereign, democratic republic.
The Indian Constitution is indeed the highest authority in the country. It is the supreme legal document and establishes India as a 'Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic' with a parliamentary form of government. The Constitution grants all citizens Fundamental Rights and guarantees equality before the law. It also empowers the independent judiciary to invalidate any legislation or government action that violates the Constitution. The Constitution sets out the framework for the country's political code, the functions and organisation of various government entities, and the duties of citizens.
The Indian Constitution has a unique quasi-federal form, combining features of both a federation and a unitary state. It establishes a three-tier governmental structure, with a strong central government, and a division of powers between the legislative, executive, and judicial organs. The Constitution also provides for a federal system of governance between the Union and the States, with each state and union territory having its own government.
The Constitution has been amended 101 times (some sources state 106) to accommodate the diverse needs and conditions of the country. The most recent amendment was on 28 September 2023. The flexibility of the Constitution and its ability to evolve with the changing circumstances of the nation further solidify its position as the highest authority in India.
In conclusion, the Indian Constitution, as the world's longest written constitution, comprehensively outlines the rules and principles that govern the nation. Its status as the supreme legal authority ensures that all organs of the state function within the boundaries set by it. The Constitution's role in safeguarding citizens' rights and maintaining the country's political and legal framework underscores its position as the highest authority in India.
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Frequently asked questions
India has the largest written constitution in the world. It is 145,000-146,385 words long and has been amended over 100 times.
A constitution is a set of rules or fundamental concepts that aid in the governance of a state or organisation. When these rules are written down in a single document, it is considered a written constitution.
The Indian Constitution is the world's biggest written liberal democratic constitution. It is a unique blend of rigidity and flexibility and is the supreme law of the nation.
The key features of the Indian Constitution include:
- The Preamble sets out the Constitution's guiding principles, ideals, and basic objectives.
- It lays out the fundamental political code and structures, powers and duties of the government.
- It outlines the fundamental rights and duties of citizens.
