Vietnam’s 1992 Constitution was amended in accordance with resolution no. 51/2001/QH10 dated 25/12/2001 and has been in effect for 20 years. As a fundamental political and legal document of the country, the constitution has had a major part in the country’s success in undergoing reform. To meet the demands of a country trying to shape itself up into a socialist society that is for the people and by the people, research must be carried out and form the basis for amendments to be made to the Constitution, which ought to be a tool of great service to Vietnam as we continue to grow in a time of reform. It is therefore imperative that the 1992 Constitution be amended in accordance to the will of the Party and of the 21st National Assembly.
Any modern and democratic country understands the importance of its Constitution. It is both an expression of the country’s will and the supreme legal document of the state. Constitutional amendments are necessary for societal development.
The book conveys its message in four parts. Part one: Perceptions of the constitution and amendments thereto. This part talks about the following issues: The constitution and constitutional doctrine; the role, value, and place of the constitution in society; the process of amending the constitution; assessing the constitution; ensuring the exaltedness and effectiveness of the constitution; Marxism.
Part two: Constitutionalization in Vietnam and some other countries. This part talks about: The history of Vietnamese constitutionalization and lessons learnt; experience gained from other countries; the East-West interaction and the extent to which other countries in the region have amended their constitutions.
Part three: Assessment and summary of the 1992 Constitution. This part has three sub-parts: Assessing the application of the 1992 Constitution’s fundamental provisions; Assessing the overall application of the 1992 Constitution.
Part four: Anticipated amendments to the 1992 Constitution. This part points out the anticipated amendments to the 1992 Constitution and provides a number of opinions related thereto.
Nguyen Thu Ha
