Lithuanian Constitution of 1922

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The Lithuanian Constitution of 1922 was the first valid constitution of the independent Republic of Lithuania in the interwar period . It came into force on August 1, 1922 .

Emergence

After gaining independence from the Russian Empire, three constitutions were introduced, which, however, were not ratified. These included the Provisional Constitution of November 2, 1918, the Provisional Constitution of April 4, 1919, and the Provisional Constitution of June 10, 1920.

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Preamble :

In the name of Almighty God, the Lithuanian nation, after the restoration of its independent state through its authorized representatives, gathered in the constituent Sejm, remembering with gratitude the honorable efforts and generous sacrifices of its sons for the liberation of the fatherland, the subsequent constitution of the Lithuanian state on August 1st Adopted in 1922 in order to create solid democratic foundations for its independent existence, as well as conditions for the flowering of justice and legality, to secure equality, freedom and the well-being of all citizens, to allow the work and morality of the population to be given appropriate state welfare.

Structure :

The constitution is further divided into:

  1. General provisions
  2. Lithuanian citizens and rights
  3. Parliament ( Sejm )
  4. The government
  5. The courts
  6. Local self-government
  7. Minority rights
  8. Defense of the Republic
  9. Education
  10. Religion and culture
  11. State budget
  12. Public finances
  13. Social care
  14. Constitutional amendments and amendments
  15. Transitional provisions

development

The constitution is considered the first democratic constitution in the Republic of Lithuania. It was only valid for 6 years and was replaced by the new Lithuanian constitution of 1928 after the military coup of Antanas Smetona , which was similar to that of 1922. The Lithuanian Constitution of 1938 , on the other hand, was a major departure from the elements of the 1922 Constitution.

See also

literature

  • Kyril Kascian: The Lithuanian constitution and the interpretation of the term “people” from a historical perspective . In: Eastern European Law. Questions about legal developments in Central and Eastern Europe and the CIS countries . 54th vol., H. 5, 2008, ISSN  0030-6444 , pp. 290-297.

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