The Comparative Constitutions Project (CCP) is directed by Zachary
Elkins (University of Texas, Department of Government) and Tom Ginsburg (University of Chicago, Law School), in cooperation with the Cline Center for Democracy at the University of Illinois. The project is supported by the National Science Foundation (SES 0648288).

The intent of the project is to investigate the sources and consequences of constitutional choices. Towards this end, the investigators are collecting data on the formal characteristics of written constitutions, both current and historical, for most independent states since 1789. The data will ultimately be available in its entirety to the public.

The project also sponsors a website called constitutionmaking.org to inform constitutional designers. The site features reports on the prevalence of various constitutional provisions as well as sample clauses, and a forum reporting on recent news from the world of constitutional design. In addition, the site has a searchable database of selected constitutional texts.

Survey Instrument (.pdf)
CCP in the News
Board of Advisors
Courses
Constitutionmaking.org

4.10.2009: Fiji - Suspension of Constitution

President Ratu Jossfa Iloilo suspended the constitution after the Court of Appeal declared his appointment of a military officer as head of government was unconstitutional. In a statement, President Iloilo indicated that an interim government would be necessary for up to five years in order to carry out the reforms necessary for democratic elections to take place (Jurist 2009).

2.16.2009: Venezuela - Constitutional Amendment

Voters approved a constitutional amendment that will abolish term limits and allow President Hugo Chavez to run for another term in 2012 (Jurist 2009).

2.5.2009: Zimbabwe - Constitutional Amendment

The Parliament promulgated a constitutional amendment that will allow the leader of the Movement for Democratic Change to serve as Prime Minister in a coalition government alongside his rival President Mugabe (New York Times 2009).