What is the world's shortest Constitution?
Asked by: Ms. Lizzie Klein | Last update: February 15, 2026Score: 4.9/5 (15 votes)
The world's shortest written constitution belongs to Monaco, with around 3,814 words, making it concise and simple compared to other nations like India (the longest). Adopted in its current form in 1962, it outlines the principality's government structure, balancing the Prince's power with legislative and advisory councils, and is known for its brevity.
What 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.
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.
Is the U.S. Constitution the world's shortest?
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. For over two centuries, the Constitution has stood the test of time and continues to be the foundation of democracy and the rights of all Americans.
What is the shortest state constitution?
The shortest is the Constitution of Vermont, adopted in 1793 and currently 8,295 words long.
Should We Codify the British Constitution? | Full Head To Head | Oxford Union
Which is the no. 1 constitution in the world?
The Indian constitution is the world's longest for a sovereign nation. At its enactment, it had 395 articles in 22 parts and 8 schedules. At about 145,000 words, it is the second-longest active constitution—after the Constitution of Alabama—in the world.
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.
Are there two constitutions?
The first constitution came into force in 1789. It stresses freedom, voluntary association, and republican elitism. The second constitution begins with the Gettysburg Address and emphasizes equality, organic nationhood, and popular democracy.
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.
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).
Why is part 7 removed?
Ans. Part 7 dealt with Part-B states. After the 7th Constitutional Amendment, 1956, Part-B states were merged with others, making this part redundant, so it was repealed.
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.
Which is the toughest constitution in the world?
Far from being a badge of honor, the distinction of topping the global charts on constitutional rigidity is cause for alarm. 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 most flexible constitution?
The British constitution is a classic example of a flexible constitution. It can be passed, amended and repealed by a Simple Majority (50% of the members present and voting) of the Parliament, since no distinction is made between a constitutional law and an ordinary law.
Which country has the world's finest constitution?
South Africa's Constitution is one of the most internationally acclaimed constitutions in the world.
What is the oldest constitution in the world still in use?
1. 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".
What is article 370?
Article 370 was a temporary provision in the Indian Constitution that granted special autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), allowing it to have its own constitution, flag, and autonomy in internal matters, while limiting the Indian Parliament's power to areas like defense, foreign affairs, and communications. It established the relationship between the central government and J&K, enabling separate laws on residency, property, and fundamental rights for state residents. In 2019, the Indian government revoked Article 370, ending J&K's special status and reorganizing the region into two Union Territories, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh.
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.
Is there 27 or 33 amendments?
There are 27 ratified amendments to the U.S. Constitution, not 33; however, Congress has proposed 33 amendments, with 27 successfully ratified by the states, including the first ten known as the Bill of Rights. The confusion arises because while only 27 are official, there have been other attempts or proposed changes that didn't pass, leading to lists that might include unratified ones.
Did the founding fathers put God in the Constitution?
No, the U.S. Constitution does not explicitly mention God or a supreme being in its main text, a deliberate choice by the Founding Fathers to establish a secular government and protect religious freedom, though it does contain a date reference ("Year of our Lord") and the First Amendment prevents religious tests for office, reflecting a consensus on separation of church and state despite their personal faith.
Does China have two constitutions?
China has a dual-constitution system; the Party Constitution of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the State Constitution of the People's Republic of China (PRC).
Can the 25th Amendment be used to remove a President?
The Congress may by law provide for the case of removal, death, resignation or inability, both of the President and Vice President, declaring what officer shall then be President, or, in case of inability, act as President, and such officer shall be or act as President accordingly, until a President shall be elected or ...
What is the 27th amendment in the United States?
No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened.
What is the Sixth Amendment?
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be ...