Constitution of Monaco
Encyclopedia
The Constitution of Monaco, first adopted in 1911 after the Monegasque Revolution
and heavily revised by Prince Rainier III
on December 17, 1962, outlines three branches of government, including several administrative offices and a number of councils, who share advisory and legislative power with the Prince
.
The constitution also defines the line of succession to the Monegasque throne
; this section was modified on April 2, 2002.
, who presides over a six-member Council 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 of Monaco-Ville
, La Condamine
, Monte Carlo
, and Fontvieille
) are directed by the Communal Council
, which consists of fifteen elected members and is presided over by the Mayor.
, 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.
is composed of five chief members and two assistant judges named by the Prince on the basis of nominations by the National Council
and 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 the Napoleonic Code
.
Monegasque Revolution
The Monegasque Revolution of 1910 was a series of confrontations by the subjects of Monaco against their ruler, Prince Albert I. It led to the end of absolute monarchy with the promulgation of the Constitution of Monaco the following year....
and heavily revised by Prince Rainier III
Rainier III, Prince of Monaco
Rainier III, Prince of Monaco , styled His Serene Highness The Sovereign Prince of Monaco, ruled the Principality of Monaco for almost 56 years, making him one of the longest ruling monarchs of the 20th century.Though he was best known outside of Europe for having married American...
on December 17, 1962, outlines three branches of government, including several administrative offices and a number of councils, who share advisory and legislative power with the Prince
Prince of Monaco
The Reigning Prince or Princess of Monaco is the sovereign monarch and head of state of the Principality of Monaco. All Princes or Princesses thus far have taken the name of the House of Grimaldi, but have belonged to various other houses in male line...
.
The constitution also defines the line of succession to the Monegasque throne
Line of succession to the Monegasque Throne
The line of succession to the Monegasque throne passes to the descendants of the reigning Prince of Monaco in accordance with male-preference primogeniture...
; this section was modified on April 2, 2002.
Executive branch
The Prince retains the highest executive power, but the principality's head of government is the Minister of StateMinister of State (Monaco)
The Minister of State is the head of the government of Monaco, though he is appointed by and subordinate to the Prince or Princess of Monaco. During his term, he is responsible for leading the government's action and is in charge of foreign relations...
, who presides over a six-member Council 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 of Monaco-Ville
Monaco-Ville
Monaco-Ville is one of Monaco's administrative divisions located on a rocky headland that extends into the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of the four traditional quarters of Monaco, the others being La Condamine, Monte Carlo, and Fontvieille. However, in modern administrative terms it is one of ten...
, La Condamine
La Condamine
La Condamine is the second oldest district in Monaco, after Monaco-Ville. It is known for its distinctive wide harbor and moored expensive yachts.- Location in Monaco :By broad definition, it is one of the four traditional quartiers...
, Monte Carlo
Monte Carlo
Monte Carlo is an administrative area of the Principality of Monaco....
, and Fontvieille
Fontvieille, Monaco
Fontvieille is the newest of the four traditional quarters in the principality of Monaco, and one of ten Wards for modern administrative purposes. It is located in the western part of Monaco...
) are directed by the Communal Council
Communal Council of Monaco
The Communal Council is the body responsible for the civil administration of the four quartiers of the Principality of Monaco. Because Monaco is both a nation and a city, the council chooses the mayor of Monaco and his/her officers. It consists of fifteen members, elected by direct universal...
, 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 unicameral National CouncilNational Council of Monaco
The National Council is the parliament of the Principality of Monaco. Its 24 members are elected from lists by universal suffrage for five-year terms, and though it may act independently of the Prince, he may dissolve it at any time, provided that new elections be held within three months.The...
, 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
Legal power is invested in the Prince, who delegates legal procedures to the various courts, which dispense justice in his name. The independence of the judges is guaranteed by the constitution. The Supreme Court of MonacoSupreme Court of Monaco
The Monegasque Supreme Court is one of the highest courts of law in the city-state of Monaco for judicial appeals as well as ensuring the constitution of Monaco is upheld. It consists of five chief members and two assistant judges, appointed by the Prince of Monaco at the recommendation of the...
is composed of five chief members and two assistant judges named by the Prince on the basis of nominations by the National Council
National Council of Monaco
The National Council is the parliament of the Principality of Monaco. Its 24 members are elected from lists by universal suffrage for five-year terms, and though it may act independently of the Prince, he may dissolve it at any time, provided that new elections be held within three months.The...
and 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 the Napoleonic Code
Napoleonic code
The Napoleonic Code — or Code Napoléon — is the French civil code, established under Napoléon I in 1804. The code forbade privileges based on birth, allowed freedom of religion, and specified that government jobs go to the most qualified...
.
External links
- Constitution de la Principauté (in French)