Dimitrov Constitution
Dimitrov Constitution | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Original title | Димитровска конституция |
Jurisdiction | Bulgaria |
Ratified | 4 December 1947 |
Date effective | 6 December 1947 |
Repealed | 18 May 1971 |
Location | National Historical Museum |
Author(s) | 6th Grand National Assembly |
Supersedes | Tarnovo Constitution |
The Dimitrov Constitution was the second Constitution of Bulgaria, in effect from 1947 to 1971.[1] It formed the legal basis for Communist rule in Bulgaria.[2]
The document was named after the country's first Communist leader,
The constitution set up a highly centralized governmental structure. The legislature, the National Assembly, was defined as the "highest organ of state power." It was elected for a four-year term and met in regular session twice a year.[3] In practice, it did little more than rubber-stamp decisions already made at the highest levels of the Bulgarian Communist Party[5] When the National Assembly was not in session, its powers were exercised by a Presidium comprising a president (a post equivalent to that of president of the republic) and 18 members. The Presidium also had the power to declare war, make peace, amend the constitution, and approve the national economic plan.[4]
Executive authority was vested in a Council of Ministers appointed by the Presidium. Its chairman, the prime minister, was almost always the leader of the Communist Party. The judiciary was appointed by the National Assembly at all levels and lost all independence. Local government was exercised by people's councils, who elected executive committees responsible to the Presidium.
The constitution remained in effect until 1971, when it was replaced by the Zhivkov Constitution.[6]
References
- ^ Konstantinov, Emil. Constitutional Foundation of Bulgaria (Historical Parallels) Archived 2016-04-01 at the Wayback Machine. Rigas Network, 2002.
- Encyclopedia Britannica
- ^ LCCN 93010955.
- ^ LCCN 93010955.
- ^ This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain. Glenn E. Curtis. "Government Structure". Federal Research Division, Library of Congress.
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(help) - LCCN 93010955.