What is the shortest national constitution?

Asked by: Myrtie Cassin  |  Last update: March 10, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (12 votes)

The shortest national constitution belongs to Monaco, with roughly 3,814 words, making it the world's briefest written governing document, though some sources mention older, shorter foundational documents for San Marino or even Indonesia's 1945 constitution. It was adopted in 1962 and has been amended only once, contrasting with India's lengthy constitution and the U.S. Constitution's status as the oldest codified one.

What is the shortest constitution?

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.

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.

Which article of the U.S. Constitution is the shortest?

Article III establishes the Judicial Branch with the U.S. Supreme Court as the federal court system's highest court. It specifies that Federal judges be appointed for life unless they commit a serious crime. This article is shorter than Articles I and II.

The Constitution: Why A Republic? | 5 Minute Video

22 related questions found

Is the 7th amendment still $20 dollars?

Yes, the Seventh Amendment's "$20" threshold for federal civil jury trials technically still exists in the Constitution, but it's functionally ignored due to inflation, meaning it doesn't really apply to modern cases; it applies to federal civil cases, not state ones, and the real minimum for federal court jurisdiction is now much higher (often $75,000). The $20 back in 1791 was significant, but today it's tiny, so courts focus on larger disputes, effectively making the $20 clause obsolete in practice, though it hasn't been formally removed. 

Did the founding fathers put God in the Constitution?

No, the Founding Fathers did not put God in the U.S. Constitution; the document is notably silent on God and religion, a deliberate choice reflecting a consensus on separating church and state, though the Declaration of Independence did mention a Creator and the Articles of Confederation used "Great Governor of the World," while the Constitution includes a "Year of our Lord" in its date and bars religious tests for office in Article VI and the First Amendment protects religious freedom.
 

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.

What is article 4 in simple terms?

Article 4 of the U.S. Constitution in simple terms means states must respect each other's laws and citizens (Full Faith & Credit, Privileges & Immunities), how new states join the Union, and that the federal government guarantees a republican government and protects states from invasion and violence, ensuring unity and fair dealings among states.
 

What is the short U.S. constitution?

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of ...

Why is part 7 removed?

Part VII of the Indian Constitution was repealed by the Seventh Amendment Act of 1956 because it dealt with Part B States (former princely states) that became redundant after India reorganized its states on a linguistic basis, making the old classification of Part A, B, C states obsolete and establishing the modern system of States and Union Territories, as explained in sources like IAS Origin and Testbook.
 

What is the Article 39 F Amendment?

-In article 39 of the Constitution, for clause (f), the following clause shall be substituted, namely:- "(f) that children are given opportunities and facilities to develop in a healthy manner and in conditions of freedom and dignity and that childhood and youth are protected against exploitation and against moral and ...

What is the 52nd Amendment?

The Anti-Defection law, or the 52nd Amendment to the Indian Constitution is a constitutional amendment limiting the ability of politicians to switch parties in parliament.

What is the world's largest 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.

Which country has the finest constitution?

South Africa has the most beautiful constitution.

Which country has the briefest constitution in the world?

Explanation: The United States Constitution holds the remarkable distinction of being the shortest written constitution among all the world's nations.

What happens if NATO article 4 is invoked?

Upon its invocation, the issue is discussed in the North Atlantic Council, and can formally lead into a joint decision or action (logistic, military, or otherwise) on behalf of the Alliance.

Does Article 3 establish the Supreme Court?

Article III, Section I states that "The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish." Although the Constitution establishes the Supreme Court, it permits Congress to decide how to organize it.

What is the Article 5 of the Constitution?

Article V of the U.S. Constitution outlines the process for amending the Constitution, providing two main paths: Congress can propose amendments (requiring a two-thirds vote in both houses) or a national convention can be called (if two-thirds of state legislatures request it), with all proposed amendments needing ratification by three-fourths of the states, either through their legislatures or special conventions, with safeguards against depriving any state of equal Senate representation without consent.
 

Which is the toughest constitution in the world?

Ancient and virtually impervious to amendment, the United States Constitution has withstood all modern efforts to renovate its outdated architecture on elections, federalism, rights, and beyond.

Which country has the strongest legal system?

  • United Kingdom. #1 in Well-developed legal framework. ...
  • Germany. #2 in Well-developed legal framework. ...
  • Switzerland. #3 in Well-developed legal framework. ...
  • United States. #4 in Well-developed legal framework. ...
  • Sweden. #5 in Well-developed legal framework. ...
  • Canada. #6 in Well-developed legal framework. ...
  • Denmark. ...
  • Australia.

What is the oldest constitution still in use?

Oldest Constitutions Still Being Used Today

  1. San Marino (October, 1600)
  2. United States (June, 1788) ...
  3. The Netherlands (March, 1814) ...
  4. Norway (May, 1814) ...
  5. Belgium (February, 1831) ...
  6. Denmark (June, 1849) ...
  7. Argentina (May, 1853) ...
  8. Luxembourg (October, 1868) ...

What did Albert Einstein say about Christianity?

Albert Einstein viewed traditional Christianity and organized religion as "childish superstitions" and "primitive legends," rejecting the concept of a personal God who rewards and punishes, but expressed deep awe for the universe's rational structure, aligning with a cosmic religious feeling often linked to Spinoza's God, a non-personal divine harmony. He described himself as an agnostic and was uncomfortable with being labeled an atheist, preferring to focus on ethical principles and the mystery of existence rather than dogma.
 

Did all 613 laws come from God?

Yes, the 613 mitzvot (commandments) in Judaism are traditionally considered to have been given by God to Moses at Mount Sinai, forming the core of the Torah, though the Bible doesn't explicitly state the number 613; Jewish tradition, particularly Maimonides' work, compiled and enumerated them from the texts of the Torah, with the Ten Commandments serving as a summary of these broader laws. The exact list and interpretation vary, with some laws being ceremonial, moral, or judicial, and not all are applicable today. 

What did Benjamin Franklin say about Jesus?

Benjamin Franklin admired Jesus' moral teachings, calling His system the "best the world ever saw," but had doubts about His divinity, viewing him as a great moral teacher rather than God, though he didn't dwell on the question, focusing instead on living virtuous lives by imitating Jesus and Socrates. He believed revealed religion had corrupted Jesus' original message and sought a rational, virtuous life grounded in doing good, a path accessible to people of all faiths.