Is the U.S. Constitution the world's shortest?
Asked by: Prof. Khalid Tremblay | Last update: June 11, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (72 votes)
Yes, the U.S. Constitution is renowned as the oldest and shortest written national constitution of any major government in the world, containing around 4,400 words, though smaller nations like Monaco have shorter ones. It establishes the fundamental framework for the U.S. government and is also the longest-standing, having influenced many other nations' constitutions.
Is the U.S. Constitution the shortest constitution in the world?
The U.S. Constitution has 4,400 words. It is the oldest and shortest written Constitution of any major government in the world.
Which is the shortest constitution in the world?
Changes to constitutions frequently require consensus or supermajority. The Constitution of India is the longest written constitution of any country in the world, with 146,385 words in its English-language version, while the Constitution of Monaco is the shortest written constitution with 3,814 words.
How short is the U.S. Constitution?
The Constitution contains 4,543 words, including the signatures and has four sheets, 28-3/4 inches by 23-5/8 inches each. It contains 7,591 words including the 27 amendments. The Constitution was ratified by specially elected conventions beginning in December 1787.
Is the U.S. Constitution the oldest and shortest?
Ratified in 1788, and in operation since 1789, the U.S. Constitution is the oldest Constitution in the world. Starting with “We the People,” the Constitution is 4,543 words and is also the shortest written Constitution of any major government in the world.
US Constitution is the world's oldest
Is the U.S. Constitution the longest in the world?
Written in 1787, ratified in 1788, and in operation since 1789, the United States Constitution is the world's longest surviving written charter of government. Its first three words – “We The People” – affirm that the government of the United States exists to serve its citizens.
Is God mentioned in the U.S. Constitution?
No, the U.S. Constitution does not explicitly mention God, Jesus, or Christianity, but it does refer to "religion" and establishes religious freedom, prohibiting government-sponsored religion and religious tests for office, with the only direct divine reference being "in the year of our Lord" in the date line. The Constitution focuses on secular governance, ensuring religious liberty for all, unlike the Declaration of Independence, which invokes a Creator and divine Providence.
What is the world's longest constitution?
Answer. The Indian Constitution is the world's longest written constitution, with 146,385 words in its English-language version, whereas the Monaco Constitution is the world's shortest written constitution, with 3,814 words. Answer.
Is the Indian Constitution the shortest in the world?
The Indian Constitution is the world's longest with 146,385 words! By contrast, Monaco's is the shortest at 3,814 words.
Who wrote the U.S. Constitution?
James Madison, the principal author of the Constitution, knew that grave doubts would be cast on the Constitution if those states (the home states of several of its chief architects, including Madison himself) did not adopt it.
Which is the no. 1 constitution in the world?
The Constitution of India, adopted on 26 November 1949 and enforced from 26 January 1950, stands as the world's longest written constitution.
Why is 42 CAA called mini constitution?
The 42nd Amendment, passed in 1976, is often called the “Mini-Constitution” because it made many significant changes to the Indian Constitution. It aimed to strengthen the central government and included new duties for citizens.
What is the shortest state constitution?
The shortest is the Constitution of Vermont, adopted in 1793 and currently 8,295 words long.
What is the shortest constitution in the world?
Monaco has the shortest written constitution with just 3,814 words. USA constitution has 7,591 and our Constitution has a whopping 1,46,385 words.
How many pages is the U.S. Constitution?
All four pages of the document are on permanent display at the National Archives. The Constitution acted like a colossal merger, uniting a group of states with different interests, laws, and cultures.
Does China have a constitution?
The Constitution of the People's Republic of China is a communist state constitution and the supreme law of the People's Republic of China (PRC).
Is the U.S. Constitution the shortest in the world?
Few documents have stood the test of time so well. At 4,400 words, the U.S. Constitution is the shortest written constitution of any major government in the world.
Why is part 7 removed?
Part VII of the Indian Constitution was repealed by the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956, because it dealt with "Part B States" (former princely states) that became redundant after the major States Reorganisation created a more uniform structure of only States and Union Territories, making the separate classification of Part B States obsolete.
Which country has the longest unwritten constitution in the world?
Britain does not have a written constitution. It has an uncodified constitution in place of a written constitution.
Which country has the greatest constitution in the world?
India has the largest written constitution in the world, while the US Constitution is one of the oldest. Federal Structure: Both countries practice federalism, sharing powers between central and state authorities.
What is the world's oldest constitution?
San Marino (October, 1600)
The Republic of San Marino is believed to have the oldest surviving Constitution in the world. However, instead of being a single document, the Constitution of San Marino is comprised by a series of six books written in Latin, collectively referred to as the "Statutes of 1600".
Which is the second largest constitution in the world?
Nigeria. The Nigerian Constitution is the second lengthiest in the world and contains 66,263 words.
Did all 613 laws come from God?
Yes, the 613 mitzvot (commandments) are traditionally believed to have been given by God to the Israelites through Moses at Mount Sinai, encompassing the whole of the Torah, not just the Ten Commandments, which are summaries of these laws. Jewish tradition, formalized by scholars like Maimonides, compiled these laws from the Old Testament into distinct positive ("do this") and negative ("do not do this") commands, though debate exists on the exact count and interpretation, with some laws being context-dependent or not applicable today.
What do the 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th, and 14th Amendments do?
The 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th, and 14th Amendments protect fundamental rights, particularly in the criminal justice system: the 4th guards against unreasonable searches; the 5th ensures due process, prevents self-incrimination (pleading the Fifth), and protects against double jeopardy; the 6th guarantees rights to a speedy trial, jury, and counsel; the 8th prohibits excessive bail/fines and cruel punishments; and the 14th applies these due process rights to the states, ensuring fairness for all citizens.