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| Government |
The About Jordan of Jordan is
a constitutional monarchy with representative government. The
reigning monarch is the head of state, the chief executive and
the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The king exercises
his executive authority through the prime minister and the Council
of Ministers, or cabinet.
The cabinet is responsible before the elected House of Deputies
which, along with the House of Notables (Senate), constitute
the legislative branch of the government. The judicial branch
is an independent branch of the government.
Since 1989, all elements of the Jordanian political spectrum
have embarked together on a road to greater democracy, liberalization
and consensus building. These reforms, which were guided by
the late King Hussein, have placed Jordan on an irreversible
road to democratization. The result has been greater empowerment
and involvement of everyday citizens in Jordan's civic life,
contributing to increased stability and institutionalization
which will benefit the country far into the future.
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The Constitution
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Jordan's Organic Law was instituted under
the guidance of Emir (later king) Abdullah in April 1928.
Said Law provided for consultative parliament and led to the
first elections that were held in April of 1929.
After gaining its full independence from the British Mandate
on May 25th 1946. Jordan revised and replaced its Organic Law
to become the new Constitution that forms today's Constitution.
The Constitution was adopted by the Legislative Council on November
28, 1947 . It was until January 1st, 1952 that the Constitution
was ratified after it had been liberalized by king Talal.
Jordan's constitution stipulates that the country is a hereditary
monarchy with a parliamentary system. It outlines the functions
and powers of the state, the rights and duties of Jordanians,
guidelines for interpretation of the Constitution and conditions
for constitutional amendments. It mandates the separation of
the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government.
It also outlines the regulation of the government's finances,
as well as the enforcement and repeal of laws. Importantly,
the Constitution specifically guarantees the rights of Jordanian
citizens, including the freedoms of speech and press, association,
academic freedom, political parties, freedom of religion and
the right to elect parliamentary and municipal representatives. |
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