LEGAL AND POLITICAL ASPECTS OF CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES IN GEORGIA*

Abstract

In this article, the author discusses the development of constitutionalism in Georgia, made changes and amendments as well as their legal and political aspects. For a complex and deep study of this topic, it is necessary to begin with the definition and the characteristics of constitutionalism and then to discuss these concepts in the Georgian reality. In the first chapter, the author describes the history of constitutionalism in Georgia that is dated the early 20th century. The main ideas of constitutionalism and statehood were determined in the first constitution of Georgian Republic. Along with the states system arrangement, the first Georgian constitution included the chapter on fundamental human rights. That is why the 1921 Constitution is of great importance for Georgian constitutionalism and statehood history. The second part of the article covers the modern processes of Georgian constitutionalism and its development. The timeframe is divided into three parts: Constitution of Georgia in 1995-1999, constitutional changes made in 2004 and constitutional changes made in 2010. Along with the description and history, the author gives detailed analysis of political and legal processes during the above-mentioned periods, and defines the reasons and causes of changes. In the conclusion, the author assesses flaws and gaps in the supreme law of the state and provides some solutions.