Turkish Constitution of 1961

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The Constitution of 1961 (officially titled the Constitution of the Turkish Republic) was the fundamental law of Turkey from 1961 to 1982. It was introduced following the 1960 coup d'état, replacing the earlier Constitution of 1924. It was approved in a referendum held on 9 July 1961, with 61.7% of the nation voting in favor. It remained in force until the 1980 coup d'état, following which it was replaced by a new document, the Constitution of 1982, which remains in force today.

Fundamentals

General Principles

I. Form of the state

Article 1 - The Turkish State is a Republic.

II. Characteristics of the Republic

Article 2 - The Turkish Republic is a nationalistic, democratic, secular and social state, governed by the rule of law, based on human rights and fundamental tenets set forth in the preamble.

III. Indivisibility of the State, its official language and its seat of government

Article 3 - The Turkish State is an indivisible whole comprising its territory and people. Its official language is Turkish. Its capital is the city of Ankara.

IV. Sovereignty

Article 4 - Sovereignty is vested in the nation without reservation and condition. The nation shall exercise its sovereignty through the authorized agencies as prescribed by the principles laid forth in the Constitution. The right to exercise such sovereignty shall not be delegated to any one person, group or class. No person or agency shall exercise any state authority, which does not derive its origin from the Constitution.

V. Legislative Power

Article 5 - Legislative power is vested in the Grand National Assembly. This power shall not be delegated.

VI. Executive Function

Article 6 - The executive function shall be carried out by the President of the Republic and the Council of Ministers within the framework of law.

VII. Judicial Power

Article 7 - Judicial power shall be exercised by independent courts on behalf of the Turkish nation.

VIII. Supremacy and the binding force of the Constitution

Article 8 - Laws shall not be in conflict with the Constitution. The provisions of the Constitution shall be the fundamental legal principles binding the legislative, executive and judicial organs, administrative authorities and individuals.

IX. Irrevocability of the form of the State

Article 9 - The provision of the Constitution establishing the form of the state as a republic shall not be amended nor shall any motion therefore be made.

Difference between 1924 and 1961

Further information: Constitutional History of Turkey

Unlike the former constitution, constitution of 1961 is based on human rights; with Article 11, the individual's freedom are secured at all times. The phrase social state was included in this Constitution for the first time. The 1961 constitution also introduced a senate to form a bicameral system.

Government

Grand National Assembly was formed of the National Assembly and Senate of the Republic. National Assembly members and the majority of senators were elected by the nation, whereas 15 senators were chosen by the President. These fifteen senators had to be either former Presidents or members of the Committee of National Unity. Though parliamentary democracy was the form of government, some members of the Senate were not elected and were given permanent seat. These included members of the Committee of National Unity, who organized the coup d'état.

References

• "1961 Constitution" (PDF). Retrieved 2007-04-14.  (English)