Bahrain has had two constitutions in its modern history. A constitution is a system, or a written document, that establishes the rules and principles that govern a political body of a country. In the case of country like Bahrain, constitution refers specifically to the national constitution which defines the fundamental political principles, and establishes the structure, procedures, powers and duties, of the Bahrain government. National constitution of Bahrain guarantees certain rights to the people.
The first constitution of Bahrain was published in 1973, and second one in the year of 2002. On February 14, 2002, Bahrain government amended the Bahrain constitution and changed the country's name to " The Kingdom of Bahrain ." This constitutional amendment which brought out the new constitution for Bahrain include the establishment of a bicameral parliament with legislative powers, the Chamber of Deputies filled by election and the Consultative Council filled by appointed members. In this new constitution of Bahrain legislative powers are given to the two Houses of National Assembly of Bahrain, and women's suffrage. This step, taken by the Bahrain Government is undoubtedly a democratic one which exhibits its progress towards democratization.
The new constitution of Bahrain includes a preamble and 125 articles. Article 1 of the Bahrain constitution asserts that, the Kingdom of Bahrain is a fully sovereign, independent Islamic Arab State whose territory is part of the great Arab homeland. Citizens of Bahrain both men and women, are entitled to participate in public affairs of Bahrain. According to this article of Bahrain constitution the citizens of Bahrain may enjoy political rights, including the right to vote and to stand for elections. No one can be deprived of the right to vote or to nominate oneself for elections except by law.
