Patterned after the other
Communist States, the
Constitution of North Korea prescribes a highly
Centralized Government System. In the year 1972 the
first Constitution of Korea was replaced by a new one. The
North Korean Constitution of 1972 made certain changes like establishment of the positions of president and vice presidents and a super-cabinet called the
Central People's Committee (CPC). The
North Korean Constitution of 1972 was once again amended in April 1992 and it was ratified by the
Sixth Supreme People's Assembly.
This
revised North Korean Constitution had a total of 171 articles in seven chapters. Some of the most significant changes that were brought about in the revised
Constitution of 1992 included, the elevation of Juche at the expense of
Marxism-Leninism, and the addition of articles encouraging joint ventures, guaranteeing the "legitimate rights and interests of foreigners,the removal of references to the expulsion of foreign troops," and establishing a framework for expanded ties with capitalist countries.
The
Current North Korean Constitution came in force from September 1998. This
Constitution provides the guideline for the National government and the functions of the
Workers' Party of Korea in relation to the government's operations. This new
Constitution of 1998 has established North Korea as a "
Democratic People's Republic of Korea" and a socialist state. This new
North Korean Constitution also ascribes certain
rights to the citizens, these include:
- Freedom of expression
- Right to elect officials
- Right to a fair trial
- Freedom of religion
- Right of every citizen to work
- Right for education
- Right for food
- Right for health care
