@EatTheRich
So the U.S. is the oldest continuous constitutional representative republic on Earth?
Yes, under a strict historical definition, the United States is generally recognized as the oldest continuous codified constitutional representative republic on Earth. [
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When you add the words "continuous," "constitutional," and "representative," the U.S. successfully narrows out its competition based on how those terms are legally defined:
1. The "Codified Constitutional" Rule
While San Marino is older, its constitution is
uncodified (made up of separate books and later amendments). The U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1788 and taking effect in 1789, is the
oldest single-document written constitution still actively governing a sovereign nation today. [
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2. The "Continuous Representative" Rule
Unlike San Marino—which hit a pause on representative democracy during its 300-year oligarchic period and its 20-year fascist regime—the United States has held uninterrupted national elections under its constitutional framework for over 235 years, even through the American Civil War, two World Wars, and economic collapses. [
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