Bhutan · Constitution
Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan
Adopted in July 2008 as the culmination of a monarchy-led democratisation, drafted over six years with nationwide consultation. It creates a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarch, with a bicameral Parliament, an independent judiciary headed by a Supreme Court established in 2010, and fundamental rights in Article 7. Distinctively, Article 5 obliges the state to maintain at least 60 per cent forest cover in perpetuity, Article 9 makes Gross National Happiness a state duty, and Article 2 provides for the abdication of a King who cannot discharge his functions and for removal by a two-thirds vote of Parliament.
The constitutional text
Adopted in July 2008 as the culmination of a monarchy-led democratisation, drafted over six years with nationwide consultation. It creates a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarch, with a bicameral Parliament, an independent judiciary headed by a Supreme Court established in 2010, and fundamental rights in Article 7. Distinctively, Article 5 obliges the state to maintain at least 60 per cent forest cover in perpetuity, Article 9 makes Gross National Happiness a state duty, and Article 2 provides for the abdication of a King who cannot discharge his functions and for removal by a two-thirds vote of Parliament.
Separation of powers
Unitary with constitutionally entrenched local government: 20 dzongkhags, each with an elected Dzongkhag Tshogdu, plus gewog and thromde councils. Article 22 requires devolution of power to elected local governments, and local bodies have defined planning and revenue functions.
Found something out of date on Bhutan · Constitution?
Corrections are reviewed against the primary source before anything changes.