Constitution

A Constitution is a set of rules laid out on how the country will be governed. This document is called The Supreme Law of The Land. The Eleuthrean Adventures brought in the first constitution in 1648, it was called The Articles and Orders.

The Bahamian Constitution has its roots in three already-established documents that include:

  • The Manga Carta,

  • The English Common Law,

  • The English Bill of Rights.

Premier = Set by the British

Prime Minister = Elected

Bielection - When an MP dies or resigns an election is held to replace him/her

A Constitution referendum is a right reserved for citizens to approve or reject an act of the people to approve or reject legislation that has been referred to them by the legislature by voting to amend a segment of the constitution.

1946 Constitutional Committee

In May 1963 a conference was held in London to consider a new constitution for the islands.

It was then agreed that the colony should have full internal self-government.

The new constitution came into force on January 7, 1964

History of The Bahamian Consitution

Before independence, our Constitution followed British Law

As we moved to Majority Rule and Independence, a group of men which included the presiding government ( United Bahamian Party ) UBP, ( Progressive Liberal Party ) PLP, and The Labour Party formed a constitutional Committee that met in England to create our Bahamian Constitution.

Constitution - the supreme law of the Land. A written document that states how a country is to be run.

Constitutional instruments - an instrument made under a power conferred on that behalf by this Constitution.

Green Paper - a preliminary report of a government proposal that is published in order to provoke discussion ( A bill introduced by parliament ).

White Paper - persuasive, authoritative, in-depth report on a specific topic that presents a problem and provides a solution.

The Governor General Signs the White Paper

Referendum - a general vote by the electorate on a single political question that has been referred to them for a direct decision.

Bill of Rights - The first part of the Constitution this Constitution deals with all rights and freedoms of the individual citizens. These rights cannot be taken away by any law of the land. Some Include:

Life, liberty, security to a person, the enjoyment of prosperity, and the protection of the law.

Freedom of conscience, expression and assembly, and association.

Respect for private and family life.