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Although Dominican Constitution Day has this year been moved to Monday November 10th, the “real” Dominican Constitution is today, November 6th, the anniversary of when the first Constitution of the Dominican Republic was signed on November 6th, 1844 in the province of San Cristobal.
Since its proclamation, the Dominican Constitution has undergone more than 30 revisions and/or amendments.
Every citizen should know and respect the Dominican constitution, because this is the basis of nationality of our unique “Dominicanidad”, however unfortunately what it is and what it stands for, is not commonly understood here in the Dominican Republic.
Here we bring you four reasons why every Dominican you should care, know and respect the Constitution of the Dominican Republic:
1. It makes us who we are. It is our identity.
The Dominican Constitution represents the proclamation of the Dominican Republic as a country. Without this constitution the Dominican Republic as a nation does not exist and nor does our nationality.
2. It protects us.
The Dominican Constitution is where all the rights and duties of Dominican citizens are written. It’s purpose is to cover and protects all Dominicans and their rights. This includes instruments and procedures aimed to protect citizens against abuses of power.
3. It dictates how we are governed
The Dominican Constitution includes the legal, political and social principles by which the Dominican Republic is governed, this guarantees the social, political and economic life of the Dominican nation.
4. It represents a peaceful and harmonious nation
The main objective of the Constitution is to form a united nation, to guarantee justice and to consolidate peace among citizens.
Our country is in no way perfect, but through knowledge of our rights and duties we can continue to fight for a better Dominican Republic.