Constitutions outline the legal systems of a country and also detail its citizens’ rights. Many of the world’s constitutions were originally written a few centuries ago, but have been amended over the years when necessary. Here are some of the oldest constitutions, which have been in continuous use since they were first written.
Constitution of Canada
Last Amended: 1982
- Author(s): Canadian Confederation
- Government Type: Federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy
- Outlines the country’s system of government, including the structure of its Parliament, the way elections work, the role of the monarchy, and the divisions of powers between the federal government and the provinces
Constitution of Luxembourg
First written in 1841
- Last amended in 2016
- 121 articles, divided into 13 chapters
- Similar to other European countries, it describes the constituent foundations of the State, the guarantee of the rights and liberties of the nation’s citizens, and the organization of the powers.
Constitution of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
The current version of the Dutch Constitution dates to 1983
- Like all constitutions, it combines the rules for the Dutch system of government with fundamental rights for the nation’s citizens.
- Freedom of expression, privacy, the right to vote and stand for election, and equal treatment are among the rights protected under the Constitution.
Constitution of the Republic of Poland
Although the Constitution of San Marino is technically older, the Poland’s Constitution of 3 May 1791 is generally considered the world’s second oldest modern constitution and the oldest in Europe.
- Poland’s modern constitution was put into effect in 1997 and it was last amended in 2009.
Did You Know?
Denmark moved from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy after King Christian VIII – before he died – ordered his son, Frederik VII to promise the Danish people a new constitution that guaranteed them freedom and equality and prevented any one person from having unlimited power.
The United States Constitution
It was ratified on June 21, 1788 after nine of the 13 original states signed it.
- Since then, it has been amended 27 times, with the first ten amendments collectively known as the Bill of Rights being the foundation of our modern republic.
Swiss Federal Constitution
First written on September 12, 1848
- Established the Swiss Federal State
- Influenced by the United States Constitution and the French Revolution
- A bicameral assembly consisting of the National Council and Council of States was established
- Provides for fundamental individual rights, a federal government, and a federal court
The Constitution of Belgium
It was approved on February 7, 1831
- Since 1831, Belgium has been a parliamentary monarchy with three levels of government: the legislative, executive, and judiciary.
- In addition to establishing the country’s laws and government, the Belgian Constitution provides rights and freedoms to its citizens.
San Marino
The Constitution of San Marino dates all the way back to 1600 and has been in continuous use since then, making it the oldest constitution in the world.
- However, the country’s Constitution is uncodified, which means that not all of its elements are law (this is why the United States’ Constitution is often cited as the oldest).
Constitutional Act of the Kingdom of Denmark
The most important piece of legislation in Denmark, all other laws must comply with it.
- Not only does the Constitutional Act outline Danish democracy, it also establishes the rights and duties of individual citizens, such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and compulsory military service.
Did You Know
The Constitution of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is actually only the second most important document in the country.
Norway
The Constitution of Norway was adopted on May 17, 1814
- Similar in nature to the U.S. Constitution, the Norwegian Constitution was founded on the principals of: the sovereignty of the people, the separation of powers, and human rights
- Three different branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial
- Recognizes fundamental human rights
