December 12 — Constitution Day of Russia: What secrets does the main law keep?

Constitution Day is celebrated in Russia on December 12, 2025. The Basic Law of the country, adopted by popular vote in 1993, still defines the foundations of the political, legal and economic systems of the state. How the document has changed over three decades and what traditions are associated with the holiday — in the material of Izvestia.

How and when the Constitution of the Russian Federation was adopted

The modern Constitution of the Russian Federation is the fifth basic law of the country. It was approved by popular vote on December 12, 1993 and entered into force on December 25 of the same year. At that time, more than a third of the voters voted for the adoption of the new document, and the turnout was about 55%. The Constitution includes 137 articles and two sections that establish the foundations of the state system, the rights and freedoms of citizens, and the structure of government.

The work on the law has been carried out for more than three years: over a thousand specialists participated in the development — lawyers, scientists, politicians, representatives of the regions. Out of more than 20 proposed projects, a joint effort led by Sergey Shakhray, Sergey Alekseev and Anatoly Sobchak was selected. Before the modern Constitution, the country lived according to the documents of the Soviet era — the Constitution of the RSFSR of 1918, the first Constitution of the USSR of 1924, the Stalinist Constitution of 1936 and the Brezhnev edition of 1978.

"The bulk of the Constitution is devoted to human and civil rights and freedoms. Despite the years, many provisions remain relevant, and their observance shapes the country's legal culture," Sergei Tsyplyaev, a member of the Committee for Civil Initiatives, told Izvestia.

The Constitution and social responsibility

Today, most Russians are well aware of the basic provisions of the Constitution. According to the VTsIOM 2025 survey, about 72% of citizens have a general understanding of the content of the basic law, and 8% can confidently navigate its provisions. At the same time, more than half of the respondents believe that the document requires clarification and modernization.

Dozens of amendments have been made to the Constitution in recent years. In 2020, a large-scale revision expanded the powers of the president and parliament, banned officials from holding foreign citizenship and residence permits, and also consolidated social guarantees, including the indexation of pensions and benefits, and the minimum wage. In 2022 and 2023, the amendments concerned the integration of new territories, the consolidation of family values and the protection of the environment.

"Sometimes people just don't understand what exactly should be written in the Constitution. In the understanding of many, this is "a kind of Talmud that has all the answers," explained Alexey Martynov, director of the International Institute of Modern States.

Modern edition and practical application

Since its adoption, the Constitution has become a living document that adapts to modern challenges. The amendments strengthened the balance between the branches of government, consolidated the rights of citizens and strengthened social protection.

The copy No. 1 of the Constitution used at presidential inaugurations is kept in the Kremlin Library and symbolizes the supremacy of the basic law. Since the adoption of the Constitution, it has repeatedly attracted the attention of historians: researchers note the similarity of some provisions with the French Constitution and pre-existing editions of the Soviet period.

The first attempts to adopt a Constitution were made back in the era of Alexander I, but the final approval of the document took place only almost two centuries after the Decembrist uprising in 1825.

The modern meaning of the holiday

Constitution Day on December 12 was an official day off from 1994 to 2004. Since 2005, the holiday has been celebrated as a memorable date, while the streets are decorated with flags, concerts, lectures and educational events are held.

On this day, all-Russian receptions of citizens are held, where government representatives answer questions from the public. Traditionally, on December 12, teenagers receive passports, and distinguished lawyers and judges receive certificates of honor. The holiday reminds Russians of the rule of law, the need to protect human rights and the responsibility of every citizen to the state.

The Constitution remains the main guaranteed source of stability, law and order and the federal structure of Russia. By its adaptability, it ensures the stability of the state in the face of modern challenges and preserves the rights and freedoms of citizens in a changing world.