Constitution of Tonga

Tonga

This article is part of the series: Politics and government of Tonga

Constitution King George Tupou V Prime Minister Sialeʻataongo Tuʻivakanō Cabinet Legislative Assembly (current) Speaker Hon. Lasike Privy Council Elections: 2005, 2008, 2010 Political parties: DPFI PDP Foreign relations

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The Tongan Constitution was enacted by King George Tupou I on 4 November 1875. It stipulates the makeup of the Tongan Government and the balance between its executive, legislature, and judiciary. The anniversary of its passage is celebrated annually as Tonga's Constitution Day.

Tonga is a constitutional monarchy in which the King exercises executive power through his Cabinet. Legislative power is vested in the Legislative Assembly. The King can legislate through the Privy Council when the Assembly is not in session, but such ordinances must be subsequently confirmed by the Assembly in order to become law.

The constitution can be amended by the Legislative Assembly, provided this does not affect the "law of liberty", the monarchical succession, or the titles or estates of the nobles. Amendments must pass the Legislative Assembly three times, and be unanimously supported by the Privy Council^[1].

References

1. ^ Constitution of Tonga, s. 79

External links

• Constitution of Tonga at the Tongan Legislative Assembly
• History of Tonga's Constitution
• References on the Tongan Constitution