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| Candlemas Constitution | |
|---|---|
 Frontpage | |
| Candlemas Grand National Assembly | |
| |
| Territorial extent | Serbia |
| Enacted by | Candlemas Grand National Assembly |
| Enacted | 15 February 1835 |
| Repeals | |
| 11 April 1835 | |
| Related legislation | |
| Status: Repealed | |
The Constitution of the Principality of Serbia (Slavonic-Serbian: Уставъ Княжества Сербїе) known as the Sretenje Constitution ("Candlemas Constitution"), was the first constitution of the Principality of Serbia, adopted in Kragujevac in 1835. The Constitution was written by Dimitrije Davidović. The Constitution divided the power into legislative, executive and judicial branches, which is still considered the standard of democracy and constitutionality today.
The government consisted of the prince, the State Council and the National Assembly. The constitution stipulated that the prince and the State Council share the executive power. Citizens' rights and freedoms were protected, such as the inviolability of personality, the independence of the judiciary and the right to a lawful trial, freedom of movement and settlement, the right to choose a profession, equality of citizens, regardless of religion and ethnicity.
Although enacted by the Grand National Assembly, the constitution was suspended after only 55 days under pressure from the Great Feudal Powers (Turkey, Russia and Austria). Today, the original copy of the document is kept in the National Archives of Serbia.