Constitution of the Panama

Political Constitution of the Republic of Panama

Panama is governed under the Constitution of Panama of 1972 as amended in 1978, 1983, 1993, 1994, and 2004.[1] This is Panama's fourth constitution, previous constitutions having been adopted in 1904, 1941, and 1946. The differences among these constitutions have been matters of emphasis and have reflected the political circumstances existing at the time of their formulation.[2]

Panama's successive constitutions have been respected to varying degrees by the republic's governments. Since the 1968 coup, opponents of various governments have accused them of violating the spirit and, at times, the letter of the constitution and of invoking the state of emergency provisions for purely political purposes. The creation of public confidence in the rule of law established by the constitution posed one of the major challenges to the government in the late 1980s.

Preamble

Title I The Panamanian State (article 1-7)

Title II Nationality and Immigration (article 8-16)

Title III Individual and Social Rights and Duties (article 17-130)

Title IV Political Rights (article 131-145)

Title V The Legislative Organ (article 146-174)

Title VI The Executive Body (article 175-200)

Title VII The Administration of Justice (article 201-224)

Title VIII Municipal and Provincial Regimes (article 225-256)

Title IX The Public Treasury (article 257-281)

Title X The National Economy (article 282-298)

Title XI The Public Servants (article 299-309)

Title XII Public Force (article 310-312)

Title XIII Reform of the Constitution (article 313-314)

Title XIV The Panama Canal (article 315-323)

Title XV Final and Transitory Provisions (article 324-328)