Constitutions Of the World, 3rd Edition

This survey of world constitutions presents nearly 120 alphabetized entries covering a broad range of constitutions. Revisions and additions in this third edition keep pace with the global constitutional events that have occurred between 2001 and 2007. Each chapter profiles one country in an easy-to-use format.

General information, including location, size, population, capital, economic and political status, type of government, and dates of constitutions

Constitutional history, including key historical and political events that provide context for understanding the nation s current constitution and government

Influences, including constitutions or principles from other countries that have had an effect on the nation s constitution, as well as ways in which it has affected others

Preamble to the constitution, including introductory statements that often provide crucial insight into a country s goals and sources of principles

Fundamental rights, including statements of rights and freedoms held by individuals

Division of powers, including the system of checks and balances within a national government, as well as relations with its state or provinces

Structure of government, including constitutional obligations of the executive, legislative and judicial branches, and those of special government institutions

Amendments, including procedures for amending or revising the constitution

New in this edition are:

Profiles of over eighteen additional countries that offer broader coverage of Africa, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Asia

Updated entries that reflect newly adopted constitutions including the new constitution in Iraq after the fall of Saddam Hussein as well as significant amendments in many countries

A useful chart presents key elements of all one hundred nineteen constitutions, facilitating quick comparisons at a glance.