The Permanent Syrian Constitution of March 13, 1973

Key takeaways

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Reading notes

• Last exercise in Syrian constitution writing came to fruition on March 13, 1973 following its approval by the People's Assembly on January 31 and by referendum on March 12

• Oligarchic nature is perhaps more evident now and allied with the Ba'athist Arab Socialist Party whose role is once again to select the candidate for the presidency

• 1973 constitution calls for a 7 year presidential term

• Appoints the cabinet, convenes and dissolves the legislature, rules by decree, call for binding public referendums, appoint five members of the high constitutional court, a constitutional amendment requires presidential approval

• The People's assembly; holds a four year term, can vote any minister out of cabinet office

• The system is still called a planned socialist economy in which private property is still allowed

• Head of state must be Muslim, Islamic fiqh is the principal source of legislation

• Concession by the Ba'athists who wish to secularise

Preamble

• Notes that the role of Syria in the edification of human civilisation was a vitally important one

• Was disrupted by a weakened homogenisation that allowed colonisers to intervene

• Masses perceive independence to be a means to reinforce struggle against; colonialism, Zionism, and exploitation in the names of unity, liberty, and socialism

• Rehabilitation of the party in the 1970s reflected the change within the people

• Arab unity is at the heart of Syria, enhanced by join Arab struggle against colonialism, Zionism, regionalism, and separatism

• Socialist party developed national progressive fronts

• The constitution is based on the following major premises:

• The global Arab revolution to realise the Arab nation and Syria requires itself to fully support the Arab revolution

• Fragmentation is what has led to the failings of Syria in the past, unity is the way forward

• Progress for the establishment of socialism is a necessity for using all Arab means against Zionism and imperialism

• Freedom is a sacred right and popular democracy is the model that guarantees this

• Arab revolutionary movement constitutes a fundamental part of the world liberation movement

• The struggle of our movement is the struggle of all

Notes on the Constitution proper

• Marxist-Leninist (Vanguard party)

• Also establishes a form of democratic centrality- faith must be given to the vanguard

• Installs Islamic culture into the constitutions

• Legal frameworks, oaths to god

• Armed forces swear allegiance to the revolution

• Attempts to claim socialist planned economy, allows private property

• Also allows inheritance