Which country has the oldest written constitution?

Answer 1

Depending on what constitutes a written constitution and what doesn't, the question as to what country has the world's oldest written constitution is of great debate since there is no clear answer.

Although San Marino is the world's oldest constitutional republic still in existence whereby its laws were established in 1600, the Constitution of San Marino may or may not be classified as the world's oldest since in effect, documents dating from the year 1600 were statutes and neither in the form of what is considered a traditional constitution in format. These statutes written in 1600 were known as the Leges Statutae Republicae Sancti Marini which consisted of six books. Likewise, the Declaration of Civil Rights was not ratified and approved until 1974. Therefore, the Constitution of San Marino as is debated, is not derived from one clear or single written source.

Another serious contender for the world's oldest written constitution would be the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, drafted in the Colony of Connecticut in 1638. Although a written and codified constitution, it has been out of use for almost 400 years.

Contrary to belief, the United Kingdom does not have a codified or written constitution. Likewise, the Magna Carta, signed by King John in 1215, is not a written constitution as it is a legal charter. The English Bill of Rights, ratified by an act of Parliament in 1689, is not a written constitution since it is in statutory form. Also, the British Constitution in its current form and for that matter, English Common Law, is not derived from a single source which can be identified as a written constitution.

The Corsican Constitution, drawn up, written in Italian, and ratified in 1755, may very well be the world's oldest written constitution since like the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut which came before it, was codified. However, like the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, the Corsican Constitution is no longer in use or in effect today.

The Swedish Constitution of 1772, was also a written and codified constitution like those used in Connecticut and Corsica. However, like those constitutions, the Swedish Constitution of 1772 is no longer used or in effect today.

As another strong contender as the world's oldest written constitution, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts drafted and adopted its state constitution in 1780. The Constitution of Massachusetts, as a single source and as a written constitution, is the oldest of all 50 state constitutions in the United States which is still in use and in effect today.

The Articles of Confederation, drafted on November 15, 1777 and ratified by the Second Continental Congress on March 1, 1781, was the first written and codified constitution of the United States. However, the Articles of Confederation is no longer in use as it was thus replaced by the second and final constitution which came thereafter.

Stemming from and advocated in 85 articles known as the Federalist Papers which were written in the years 1787 and 1788, the United States Constitution might be the world's oldest written constitution for the valid reason that it is the world's only constitution still in effective use that is derived from one single source unlike all other constitutions around the world which claim to have been written before it. Drafted on September 17, 1787 by the Framers and ratified on June 21, 1788 at the Philadelphia Convention, the United States Constitution as a single source and codified. is also the world's shortest constitution.

Answer 2

The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is the oldest constitution still in effect today. The constitution states that "The end of the institution, maintenance, and administration of government, is to secure the existence of the body politic, to protect it, and to furnish the individuals who compose it with the power of enjoying in safety and tranquillity their natural rights, and the blessings of life: and whenever these great objects are not obtained, the people have a right to alter the government, and to take measures necessary for their safety, prosperity and happiness.

Answer 3

The state with the oldest constitution is Massachusetts. It's been in effect since 1780.

Answer 4

The United States

Answer 5

Massachusetts' Constitution.

Answer 6

San Marino.

Answer 7

Louisiana

Answer 8

Mass.

Answer 9

Maryland