Constitution of the Republic of Belarus
The Constitution (from the Latin word constitutio used for regulations and orders) is a legal document defining the structure of the state, the rights, freedoms and obligations of citizens and has the highest legal force.
According to the social contract theory, the Constitution enshrines an agreement between society (citizens) and the state on the most important issues for society.
The Constitution of the Republic of Belarus is the Basic Law of the Republic of Belarus, which has the highest legal force and enshrines the fundamental principles and norms of legal regulation of the most important public relations.
Constitution - Basic Law of the state:
- determines the state structure
- sets out the principles of the electoral system
- regulates the formation of government
- enshrines the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
The Constitution of the Republic of Belarus was adopted on 15 March 1994 (with amendments and additions made following the national referendums on 24 November 1996, 17 October 2004 and 27 February 2022). The public holiday – the Constitution Day of the Republic of Belarus - is celebrated on this day every year.
Constitution of the Republic of Belarus consists of the Preamble and nine chapters (156 articles):
Chapter I. Fundamentals of the Constitutional System
Chapter II. Individual, Society, and the State
Chapter III. Electoral System. Referendum
Chapter IV. President, Belarusian People's Congress, Parliament, Government, Court
Chapter V. Local Government and Self-Government
Chapter VI. Prosecutor's Office. Committee of State Control
Chapter VII. Financial and Credit System of the Republic of Belarus
Chapter VIII. Procedure of Changing and Adding the Constitution
Chapter IX. Final and Transitional Provisions