Who is the oldest Constitution in the world?
Asked by: Jennie Eichmann III | Last update: December 10, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (58 votes)
The oldest written document still governing a sovereign nation today is that of San Marino. The Leges Statutae Republicae Sancti Marini was written in Latin and consists of six books. The first book, with 62 articles, establishes councils, courts, various executive officers, and the powers assigned to them.
Which country has the oldest constitution in the world?
San Marino's constitution, dating back to 1600, is the world's oldest written constitution still in effect.
Who was the oldest in the Constitution?
Benjamin Franklin was the oldest member of the Constitutional Convention.
Who has the oldest government in the world?
San Marino (415+ years)
Perhaps the oldest government still in operation today, more or less unchanged, is the Italian micro-state of San Marino. With a land area of less than 30 square miles, the nation has been able to maintain its boundaries and integrity of government for more than 400 years.
Does Massachusetts have the oldest constitution?
The Massachusetts Constitution, ratified by the legal voters of the Commonwealth in 1780, remains the oldest constitution currently in effect in the world.
10 Oldest Constitutions In The World (Still in Use in 2023)
What state has the oldest written constitution?
The 1780 Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, drafted by John Adams, is the world's oldest functioning written constitution. It served as a model for the United States Constitution, which was written in 1787 and became effective in 1789.
How is the Massachusetts Constitution different from the U.S. Constitution?
According to many historians, the Massachusetts Constitution is the more expansive and democratic document - providing greater protections and liberties than the federal Constitution. It stated a commitment to education for all through public schools and it protected the free exercise of religion.
What is technically the oldest country?
San Marino was founded more than 17 centuries ago, making it the oldest republic in the world. In addition, it is also the smallest European state.
Is the US the oldest government?
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.
Who ruled the world the longest?
- Louis XIV, France (72 years, 110 days) ...
- Elizabeth II, United Kingdom (70 years, 214 days) ...
- Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), Thailand (70 years, 126 days) ...
- K'inich Janaab' Pakal, Palenque (68 years, 33 days)
- Franz Joseph, Austria (67 years, 355 days)
- Chan Imix K'awaiil (67 years, 130 days)
Where is the real constitution of the United States?
Located on the upper level of the National Archives museum, the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom is the permanent home of the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States, and Bill of Rights.
What are the first 7 words of the Declaration of Independence?
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
What is the most amended Constitution in the world?
Although constitutional amendments require the support of a two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament (with some amendments requiring ratification by a majority of state legislatures), the Indian Constitution is the most amended national constitution in the world.
Which is the oldest country in the world?
- Iran: 3200 BCE.
- Egypt: 3100 BCE.
- Vietnam: 2879 BCE.
- Armenia: 2492 BCE.
- North Korea: 2333 BCE.
- China: 2070 BCE.
- India: 2000 BCE.
- Georgia: 1300 BCE.
What is the longest lasting government in history?
China. China is the longest continual political civilisation, and its government dates back over 2,000 years in one form or another. The first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, founded the imperial dynasty in 221 BCE and created a government system that has lasted and evolved to this day.
Which is the biggest constitution in the world?
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.
Who has the oldest Constitution still in use?
The oldest written document still governing a sovereign nation today is that of San Marino. The Leges Statutae Republicae Sancti Marini was written in Latin and consists of six books. The first book, with 62 articles, establishes councils, courts, various executive officers, and the powers assigned to them.
Who governed America before 1776?
In the early 1600s, the British king began establishing colonies in America. By the 1700s, most of the settlements had formed into 13 British colonies: Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and South Carolina.
What country is a true democracy?
Switzerland is a rare example of a country with instruments of direct democracy (at the levels of the municipalities, cantons, and federal state). Citizens have more power than in a representative democracy.
What was the first country to ever exist?
Egypt is the oldest country in the world if we accept its founding as 3150 B.C.E. That's the estimated beginning of the reign of Narmer, the first king of the first dynasty of Egypt, and the end of the period considered predynastic or ancient Egypt. The Narmer Palette (circa 3200-3000 B.C.E.)
What is the oldest existing civilization?
The oldest recorded civilization in the world is the Mesopotamia civilization. Overall, the 4 oldest civilizations of the world are Mesopotamia Civilization, Egyptian Civilization, Indus Valley Civilization, and Chinese Civilization.
What is the oldest flag in the world?
Ans. Denmark's national flag is the world's oldest and longest-running flag. In 1625, the current design of a white Scandinavian cross on a red background was established, and the square shape was adopted in 1748. The 'Dannebrog' or 'Danish cloth' is how it's known in Denmark.
What document was before the Constitution?
The Articles of Confederation were adopted by the Continental Congress on November 15, 1777. This document served as the United States' first constitution. It was in force from March 1, 1781, until 1789 when the present-day Constitution went into effect.
Which state has the longest Constitution?
Alabama's Constitution of 2022 is still, by far, the longest state constitution in the United States, three times as long as the next longest state constitution. Though now better organized, it is still complex and contradictory. It is not a basic template and statement of principles, which should be the ideal.
Did John Adams support the First Amendment?
John Adams (1797-1801). One of the founding fathers, Adams influenced the development of constitutional government through his political writings and thought. He was supportive of First Amendment principles although he did believe in established churches.