
The 1936 Constitution of the Soviet Union, also known as the Stalin Constitution, was the second constitution of the Soviet Union. It was adopted on 5 December 1936 and replaced the 1924 Constitution. The 1936 Constitution was significant because it redesigned the government of the Soviet Union, expanded rights and freedoms, and outlined democratic procedures. It also changed the names of all Union Republics and provided for the direct election of all government bodies. The constitution enumerated economic rights and recognised collective social rights, including the rights to work, rest, leisure, health protection, care in old age, housing, education, and cultural benefits.
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What You'll Learn
- The 1935 Constitution provided the legal basis for the Commonwealth government
- The Constitution was drafted by Filipinos, marking a shift towards self-government
- It established a federal system of government, with autonomous provincial governments
- The Constitution granted provincial autonomy and expanded the electorate
- It ensured stable constitutional government for 26 years

The 1935 Constitution provided the legal basis for the Commonwealth government
The 1935 Constitution of the Philippines provided the legal basis for the Commonwealth government. It was the first organic law for the Philippine Islands that provided for the creation of a popularly elected Philippine Assembly. The 1935 Constitution was drafted by a Constitutional Convention and was ratified by President Roosevelt in Washington D.C. on March 25, 1935. It was considered a transition government before the granting of Philippine independence. The Constitution outlined the powers and duties of the government and embodied certain rights of the people.
The 1935 Constitution provided for a bicameral legislature composed of a Senate and a House of Representatives. It also ensured that all laws of the Philippine Islands would remain in force until the inauguration of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. The Constitution further stipulated that all officers and employees in the existing government of the Philippine Islands would continue in office until the National Assembly provided otherwise.
The 1935 Constitution also addressed trade relations between the Philippines and the United States, specifying that trade would be based on the provisions outlined in Public Act No. 127 of the US Congress. It also addressed the public debt of the Philippines, stating that it should not exceed the limits fixed by the US Congress and that any foreign loans required the approval of the US President.
The 1935 Constitution included special provisions that would come into effect upon the proclamation of Philippine independence by the President of the United States. These provisions addressed property rights, the status of government officials, and the acknowledgement and respect for the property rights of US citizens and corporations.
While the 1935 Constitution established the legal foundation for the Commonwealth government, it is important to note that it was later superseded by subsequent constitutions and amendments as the Philippines continued to evolve as an independent nation.
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The Constitution was drafted by Filipinos, marking a shift towards self-government
The 1935 Constitution of the Philippines, also known as the "Commonwealth Act No. 1", was drafted by Filipinos, marking a significant shift towards self-government. The constitution was adopted by the Constitutional Convention on February 8, 1935, and established a framework for the country's governance, reflecting the aspirations of the Filipino people.
The constitution's preamble highlights the Filipino people's desire to establish a government that embodies their ideals, conserves and develops the nation's patrimony, promotes general welfare, and secures independence, justice, liberty, and democracy for themselves and future generations. This emphasis on self-determination and national identity is a key theme throughout the document.
One notable aspect of the 1935 Constitution is its recognition of the Philippines' unique geographical and cultural context. It acknowledges the country's extensive archipelago, consisting of over 7,100 islands, and emphasizes the importance of establishing a unified nation. The constitution also addresses the diverse linguistic landscape of the Philippines, calling for the development and adoption of a common national language based on existing native languages, while still recognizing English and Spanish as official languages until a new language is established.
The constitution outlines the structure and responsibilities of the government, including the roles of the President, Vice-President, and other key officials. It establishes a system of checks and balances, with provisions for impeachment and removal from office for high-ranking officials who violate the constitution or commit treason, bribery, or other high crimes.
Additionally, the 1935 Constitution addresses economic and social issues. It grants the state the authority to establish and operate industries, transportation, and communication systems in the interest of national welfare and defense. The constitution also promotes scientific research and invention, and outlines property rights and regulations for public utilities, reflecting the Filipinos' desire to shape their economic future.
Overall, the 1935 Constitution of the Philippines represented a significant milestone in the country's pursuit of self-government and independence. Drafted by Filipinos themselves, it laid the foundation for a democratic and independent nation, reflecting their values, aspirations, and unique cultural context.
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It established a federal system of government, with autonomous provincial governments
I was only able to find information relating to the 1936 Constitution of the Soviet Union, also known as the Stalin Constitution.
The 1936 Constitution established a federal system of government, with autonomous provincial governments. It redesigned the government of the Soviet Union, expanding rights and freedoms, and spelling out democratic procedures. The 15 republics were renamed as Soviet Socialist Republics (SSRs) under Article 13, and were given the impression of autonomy, though they were still controlled from Moscow.
The 1936 Constitution was the second constitution of the Soviet Union, replacing the 1924 Constitution. It was written by a special commission of 31 members, chaired by Joseph Stalin. It was presented as a personal triumph for Stalin, who was described by Pravda as the "genius of the new world, the wisest man of the epoch, the great leader of communism".
The constitution repealed restrictions on voting, abolishing the lishentsy category of people, and added universal direct suffrage and the right to work. It also recognised collective social and economic rights, including the rights to work, rest and leisure, health protection, care in old age and sickness, housing, education and cultural benefits.
Despite the constitution's promises, the Soviet government failed to respect the civil rights it guaranteed. Most critics have dismissed the constitution as mere propaganda intended to woo Western European allies in the popular front against Fascism.
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The Constitution granted provincial autonomy and expanded the electorate
The 1935 Government of India Act, which came into effect on 1 April 1937, was a significant constitutional reform enacted by the British Parliament. It was one of the most important legislative measures enacted by the British Parliament to govern British India. The Act laid the groundwork for India’s eventual independence in 1947.
The Act granted provincial autonomy and expanded the electorate. It proposed a federal structure, granting provincial autonomy and responding to growing demands for increased Indian participation in governance. It introduced elected legislatures and Indian ministers, although it retained key powers for the British Crown and Governor-General, including control over defence, foreign affairs, and veto authority. The Act abolished the system of dyarchy introduced by the Government of India Act 1919, which had given control over certain areas to elected Indian ministers but fell short of self-government demands.
The Act also introduced bicameral legislatures in six of the eleven provinces. Membership of the provincial assemblies was altered to include any number of elected Indian representatives, who could now form majorities and be appointed to form governments. However, the degree of autonomy introduced was limited, as provincial governors retained important reserve powers, and the British authorities retained a right to suspend responsible government.
The Act increased the electorate to about 10% of adults, enabling greater political participation and fostering democratic governance. It introduced direct elections, increasing the franchise from five million to 35 million people.
The 1936 Constitution of the Soviet Union, also known as the Stalin Constitution, was another important constitution enacted in this period. It was the second constitution of the Soviet Union and replaced the 1924 Constitution. The 1936 Constitution redesigned the government of the Soviet Union, expanded rights and freedoms, and spelled out democratic procedures. It also recognised collective social and economic rights, including the rights to work, rest, leisure, health protection, care in old age and sickness, housing, education, and cultural benefits.
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It ensured stable constitutional government for 26 years
The 1936 Constitution of the Soviet Union, also known as the Stalin Constitution, was the longest-surviving constitution of the Soviet Union. It was adopted on 5 December 1936 and replaced the 1924 Constitution. The 1936 Constitution ensured stable constitutional government for 26 years, and during this time, many Eastern Bloc countries modelled their constitutions on it.
The 1936 Constitution was written by a special commission of 31 members, chaired by Joseph Stalin. It was presented as a personal triumph for Stalin, who was described by Pravda as the "genius of the new world, the wisest man of the epoch, the great leader of communism".
The Constitution redesigned the government of the Soviet Union, expanded rights and freedoms, and spelled out democratic procedures. It repealed restrictions on voting, adding universal direct suffrage and the right to work. It also recognised collective social and economic rights, including the rights to work, rest, leisure, health protection, care in old age and sickness, housing, education, and cultural benefits.
The 1936 Constitution also provided for the direct election of all government bodies and their reorganisation into a single, uniform system. It changed the names of all Union Republics, the constituent states of the Soviet Union. All 15 republics were renamed as Soviet Socialist Republics (SSRs) under Article 13. They were given the impression of autonomy, but in reality, they were controlled from Moscow.
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Frequently asked questions
The 1936 Constitution, also known as the Stalin Constitution, was the constitution of the Soviet Union. It was significant because it redesigned the government of the Soviet Union, expanded rights and freedoms, and spelled out democratic procedures.
The 1936 Constitution repealed restrictions on voting, adding universal direct suffrage and the right to work. It also recognised collective social and economic rights, including the rights to work, rest, leisure, health protection, care in old age and sickness, housing, education, and cultural benefits.
The 1936 Constitution was the second constitution of the Soviet Union, replacing the 1924 Constitution. It was considered the "second foundational moment" of the USSR, after the October Revolution in 1917. The Constitution was also significant because it changed the names of all Union Republics, the constituent states of the Soviet Union.








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