Wikipedia:Today's featured article/February 12, 2008

Cover of the Constitution of Belarus given to citizens by the government

The Constitution of Belarus is the supreme law of Belarus. Adopted in 1994, three years after Belarus declared its independence from the Soviet Union, this formal document establishes the framework of the Belarusian state and government and enumerates the rights and freedoms of its citizens. The contents of the Constitution include the preamble, nine sections (including eight chapters) and one hundred and forty-six articles. The contents were heavily influenced by constitutions of Western powers and from Belarus's time in the Soviet Union. While much of the Constitution explains how the government is established and carried out, an entire section deals with the rights and freedoms granted to citizens and residents. The Constitution has been amended twice since the original adoption; in 1996 and in 2004. In the amendments approved by the Belarusian populace, the power of the presidency over the government was increased and the term limits for the presidency were eliminated. (more...)

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