THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA
BACKGROUND
The Constitution of the Republic of Croatia was adopted on December 22, 1990, just after the Republic's first democratic elections. It marks the end of Communism in Croatia, but not the beginning of stability. Shortly after its ratification, Serbs living in Croatia began a rebellion, and by 1991, a war had begun. In a sense, the war was in direct response to this constitution (or at least, the ideas that this constitution represents). From 1991-1995, one third of the Republic of Croatia would be occupied by Serbia, amidst sometimes intense fighting.
While many amendments have been made to the Constitution of the Republic of Croatia since its original ratification, the following changes are most notable:
- Primary authority over the government's operation was swiched from the President to Parliament
- The President was barred from membership in any political party (an interesting approach)
- The conditions set in order for the President to dissolve Parliament are changed, making the abolition of Parliament much more difficult
- The House of Counties was abolished, leaving a unicameral legislative body, the Sabor
- The right of the Diaspora Croats to vote was abolished.
Sources:
http://www.unc.edu/courses/2002spring/rues/230/001/Croatia/cropol.htm
http://www.fact-index.com/c/co/constitution_of_croatia.html
http://www.oefre.unibe.ch/law/icl/hr__indx.html
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