The 1973 constitution begins with a Preamble and is then divided into four parts, called Chapters, which are in turn subdivided into Parts (and in some cases Sections) and Articles.
Preamble The preamble contains the five main principles of the constitution. First, it defines the
Arab nation's aspirations in unity, freedom and
socialism and stipulates that the means to achieve these aspirations lie in the wider Arab revolution. Second, within the reality of a divided Arab nation, collective defense will be needed to counter the dangers of
imperialism and
Zionism. Third, affirms the nation's commitment to the march toward the establishment of socialist order. Fourth, stipulates that individual freedom is a sacred right and that
popular democracy is the "ideal formulation which insures for the citizen the exercise of his freedom." Fifth, states that the Arab revolution is an integral part of the wider world liberation movement for freedom, independence and progress. This constitution serves as a guide for action to our people's masses so that they will continue the battle for liberation and construction guided by its principles and provisions in order to strengthen the positions of our people's struggle and to drive their march toward the aspired future.
Chapter 1 Chapter 1 contains 49 articles in four parts and provides the political, economic, educational, and cultural principles and the fundamental rights. Article 4 declares that
Arabic is the
official language of the Syrian Arab Republic and that
Damascus is the capital of the nation. Article 8 of the constitution defines the
Baath Party as the "leading party in the society and the state,"
Economic Principles The constitution defines the state economy as a
planned socialist economy which aims to end all forms of exploitation. Three forms of property is presented by the constitution: public, collective and individual property. The constitution guarantees that private property shall not be expropriated except for the public interest and in return for fair compensation. Members of the People's Assembly are elected to a 4-year term by general, secret, direct and equal ballot. The constitution provides a 50% quota of the People's Assembly to workers and peasants. The powers of the People's Assembly include, nomination of the president, debating cabinet policy, approving the budget and ratification of international treaties. The Assembly can not initiate laws but it has the right to amend and approve them. The president is only liable to the assembly in cases of
high treason.
Executive Authority President of the Republic The constitution stipulates that the
President of the Republic is the head of the state, the chief executive officer of the
executive authority and the
commander-in-chief of the
armed forces. The nomination for the presidency is proposed by the
Ba'ath Party and approved by the
parliament. According to the constitution, the nominee must be Arab Syrian,
Muslim and over 34 years of age. The nominee is then confirmed through a referendum for a 7-year term. The constitution does not specify a term limit for the president. The constitution gives the office of the president great executive and legislative powers. The president is responsible for appointing and dismissing the
Council of Ministers, the
prime minister, and other top civil servants and military officers as well as members of the
High Constitutional Court. The president may also dissolve the People's Assembly and appoint an unlimited number of
vice presidents.
Cabinet and Council of Ministers The constitution defines the cabinet as the highest executive and administrative body. It consists of the prime minister, the deputy prime minister and the ministers. The constitution states that the ministers are responsible to the president of the republic.
Local People's Councils Article 129 of the constitution defines the Local People's Councils as follows: The Local People's Councils are bodies which exercise their powers within the administrative units in accordance with the law.
Chapter 3 Chapter 3 contains 19 articles in three parts. It discusses the structure and powers of the
judiciary as well as the process for constitutional amendments.
Court Judges and Public Prosecutors The president also presides over the
High Judicial Council. The constitution states that verdicts in Syrian courts shall be issued "in the name of the Arab people of Syria." It also stipulates that the
Minister of Justice shall preside over the office of the public prosecutor.
The Supreme Constitutional Court Article 143 of the constitution defines the oath taken by members of the Supreme Constitutional Court as follows: "I swear by the Almighty to respect the country's Constitution and laws and to carry out my duty with impartiality and loyalty."
Amending the Constitution Chapter 4 Chapter 4 contains 7 articles and includes general and transitional provisions. ==See also==