Constitution of Monaco

TheConstitution of Monaco,first adopted in 1911 after theMonégasque Revolutionand heavily revised by PrinceRainier IIIon 17 December 1962, outlines three branches of government, including several administrative offices and a number of councils, who share advisory and legislative power with theprince.

The constitution also defines theline of succession to the Monegasque throne;this section was modified on 2 April 2002.

By word count, it is the shortest constitution in the world currently in force.

Executive branch

The prince retains the highest executive power, but the principality's head of government is theminister of state,who presides over a six-memberCouncil of Government,helps advise the prince, and is responsible for enforcing the laws.

The principality's local affairs (i.e., the administration of the four quarters ofMonaco-Ville,La Condamine,Monte Carlo,andFontvieille) are directed by theCommunal Council,which consists of fifteen elected members and is presided over by the mayor.

Legislative branch

Under the 1962 constitution, the prince shares his power with the unicameralNational Council,the Principality's legislative body. Though it is independent of the prince and may act contrary to his wishes, his signature is required to confirm any of its proposed laws.

Judicial branch

Judicial power is invested in the prince, who delegates judicial procedures to the various courts, which dispense justice in his name. The independence of the judges is guaranteed by the constitution. TheSupreme Court of Monacois composed of five chief members and two assistant judges named by the prince on the basis of nominations by theNational Counciland other government bodies. The Supreme Court is the highest court for judicial appeals and also interprets the constitution when necessary. Monaco's legal system, closely related to that of France, is patterned after theNapoleonic Code.

External links

• Constitution de la Principauté(in French)
• Constitution of the Principality(in English)