Isabella Carter
Georgia's constitution has been updated several times since the first constitution was adopted in 1777. The most recent update to the state constitution was in 1983, which was the tenth constitution in the state's history. The 1983 constitution was amended in 1992 and 2004, and voters approved further amendments as recently as November 5, 2024. The constitution is the fundamental document outlining the state's framework for governance, including the powers, structure, and limitations of the state government, individual and civil rights, and other matters.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of most recent update | November 1982, came into effect in July 1983 |
| Reason for update | To allow the government to do things that the previous constitution did not permit |
| Number of amendments | 91 |
| Last amendment | 5 November 2024 |
| Number of articles | 11 |
| Previous number of constitutions | 9 |
| First constitution | 1777 |
| Current constitution | 10th constitution |
| Previous constitution | 1976 |
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What You'll Learn
To allow the government to act with more freedom
Georgia's constitution has been updated several times since the first constitution was adopted in 1777. The most recent update to the state's constitution was in 2024, with amendments approved by voters on November 5. The current constitution, adopted in 1983, is Georgia's tenth constitution and has been amended 91 times.
One reason for the recent updates to Georgia's constitution is to allow the government to act with more freedom. The constitution, which outlines the state's framework for governance, including the powers, structure, and limitations of the state government, needed to be updated to enable the government to undertake actions that were not permissible under the previous version.
The 1983 constitution was a significant rewrite and introduced several changes. Notably, it brought Georgia's constitution more in line with the United States Constitution, including the addition of a Bill of Rights, which guarantees citizens' fundamental rights and liberties. This update ensured that the citizens of Georgia would never be deprived of their rights.
The 1983 constitution also addressed other important issues. For example, it established the role of a lieutenant governor and allowed for the creation of a state lottery. Additionally, it outlined the structure and responsibilities of the different branches of government, including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
The ability to amend the constitution and allow the government more freedom to act is essential for Georgia's governance. However, it is worth noting that Georgia does not have a process for initiated constitutional amendments. Instead, amendments are put on the ballot through referral by the legislature or by a constitutional convention, which can be called if a two-thirds majority of the members of both houses of the Georgia General Assembly agree.
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To establish a democratic social order
Georgia's constitution has been updated several times since the first constitution was adopted in 1777. The current constitution, adopted in 1983, is Georgia's tenth constitution and has been amended 91 times.
The preamble to the 1995 (rev. 2018) Constitution of Georgia states that its purpose is to "establish a democratic social order, economic freedom, and a legal and a social state; to secure universally recognised human rights and freedoms; and to enhance state independence and peaceful relations with other peoples".
The 2018 Constitution outlines the rights and freedoms of Georgian citizens, including freedom of belief and religion, and the right to form and participate in political parties. It also establishes Georgia as a social state, with the government responsible for strengthening social justice, equality, and solidarity.
The 2018 Constitution also recognises the role of the Apostolic Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Georgia in the country's history and its independence from the State. It guarantees the inviolability of human dignity and prohibits torture, cruel treatment, and the death penalty.
By updating the constitution, Georgia aimed to establish a democratic social order, protect human rights and freedoms, and ensure its alignment with international law and principles.
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To secure universally recognised human rights
Georgia's constitution has been updated several times since the first constitution was adopted in 1777. The most recent update to the state's constitution was in 2024, with amendments approved by voters on November 5. However, the current constitution was adopted in 1983, with revisions in 1992, 2004, and 2018.
The 1995 (rev. 2018) Constitution of Georgia outlines the country's commitment to "secure universally recognised human rights and freedoms". This includes the recognition of the right to freedom of belief and religion, and the role of the Apostolic Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Georgia in the country's history. The constitution also prohibits torture, cruel treatment, and the death penalty, protecting human dignity and life.
The 2018 revision also includes provisions for the formation and participation in political parties. Citizens of Georgia have the right to form and join political parties, with some restrictions. For example, membership in political parties is prohibited for those enlisted in the Defence Forces or responsible for state security.
Georgia's constitution establishes the country as a social state, emphasising the importance of social justice, equality, and solidarity. The constitution also outlines the state's responsibility for equitable socio-economic and demographic development across its territory.
The 1983 constitution, which underwent revisions in 1992 and 2004, brought about the largest rewrite since 1877. This constitution included amendments that allowed for the creation of a lottery and banned the recognition of same-sex marriage.
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To enhance state independence
The Georgia Constitution is the state constitution of Georgia, which has had 10 constitutions in its history. The current constitution was adopted in 1983, coming into effect in July of that year. It has been amended 91 times, with the most recent amendments being approved by voters on 5 November 2024.
The 1983 Georgia Constitution was a significant update, being the largest re-write since 1877. However, the reasons for the updates are not explicitly stated. One reason for updating the constitution could be to enhance state independence.
The preamble to the 1995 (rev. 2018) Constitution of Georgia states that the citizens of Georgia aim to "enhance state independence and peaceful relations with other peoples". This is in reference to the country's history as an "independent, unified and indivisible state", confirmed by the Referendum of 31 March 1991 and the Act of Restoration of State Independence of Georgia of 9 April 1991.
The 1995 (rev. 2018) Constitution also outlines the relationship between the state of Georgia and the Apostolic Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Georgia, recognising the Church's "independence from the State".
The Georgia Constitution has a process for amending the document, which includes proposing amendments during a General Assembly session and then ratifying them by a vote of the people. This process allows for the state to update its constitution as needed to reflect the current needs and values of its citizens.
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To strengthen social justice
Georgia's constitution has been updated several times since the first constitution was adopted in 1777. The most recent update to the constitution was in 2024, with amendments approved by voters on November 5. However, the current constitution was adopted in 1983, with the previous one being adopted in 1976.
The 1983 Georgia Constitution is the state's tenth constitution and has been amended 91 times. It is the fundamental document outlining Georgia's framework for governance, including the powers, structure, and limitations of the state government, as well as individual and civil rights.
One of the key focuses of the 1983 Constitution was to strengthen social justice. Here are some ways in which the constitution aimed to achieve this:
- The constitution establishes Georgia as a "social state", emphasizing the importance of social justice, social equality, and social solidarity within society.
- It promotes the equitable socio-economic and demographic development of the entire territory of Georgia, aiming to reduce disparities and ensure fair access to opportunities and resources for all citizens.
- The constitution guarantees certain fundamental rights and liberties to the citizens of Georgia, including the right to form and participate in political parties, freedom of belief and religion, and the protection of human dignity.
- It also recognizes the outstanding role of the Apostolic Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Georgia in the history of the state and its independence from the government.
- The 1983 Constitution establishes the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government, providing a framework for democratic governance and representation.
- Additionally, it includes provisions for public education, recognizing its importance in fostering a well-informed and engaged citizenry, which is essential for social justice.
The 1983 Georgia Constitution, with its focus on strengthening social justice, reflects the state's commitment to creating a fair and equitable society for all its citizens.
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Frequently asked questions
The Georgia Constitution was updated to allow the government to do things that the previous constitutions, some of which were centuries old, did not allow.
Previous constitutions did not include a Bill of Rights, which guarantees that citizens will not be deprived of their fundamental rights.
The current Georgia Constitution was adopted in November 1982 and came into effect in July 1983.
Georgia has had 10 constitutions.
The 1995 (rev. 2018) Constitution outlines the right to freedom of belief and religion, the right to human dignity, and the right to form a political party.
