The Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea is the socialist motherland of Juche where the ideas and leadership of the great Comrades Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il are applied.
\nThe great Comrade Kim Il Sung was the founder of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea and the father of socialist Korea.
\nComrade Kim Il Sung authored the immortal Juche idea and, by organizing and leading the anti-Japanese revolutionary struggle under its banner, created the glorious revolutionary traditions and achieved the historic cause of national restoration. He laid solid foundations for the building of an independent and sovereign State in the political, economic, cultural and military fields, and based on them, founded the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea.
\nHaving put forward Juche-oriented revolutionary lines, Comrade Kim Il Sung wisely led various stages of social revolution and construction work, thus strengthening and developing the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea into a socialist country centred on the masses, into a socialist State which is independent, self-sufficient and self-reliant in defence.
\nComrade Kim Il Sung elucidated the fundamental principles governing the building and activities of the State, established an ideal State and social system, an ideal mode of politics and an ideal system and ideal methods for administering society, and laid solid foundations for the prosperity of the socialist motherland and for the inheritance and completion of the revolutionary cause of Juche.
\nThe great Comrade Kim Jong Il was a peerless patriot and defender of socialist Korea who, true to the ideas and cause of Comrade Kim Il Sung, strengthened and developed the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea into Kim Il Sung\u2019s State and placed the dignity and power of the nation on the highest ever plane.
\nComrade Kim Jong Il developed in depth and in an all-round way the immortal Juche idea and Songun idea authored by Comrade Kim Il Sung, further perfecting them as ideas guiding the era of independence, and ensured the continuity of the Korean revolution by firmly defending the revolutionary traditions of Juche and carrying them forward in their purity and entirety.
\nIn the face of the collapse of the world socialist system and the vicious offensive of the imperialist allied forces to stifle the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea, Comrade Kim Jong Il administered Songun politics; thus he safeguarded with honour the achievements of socialism which are the precious legacy of Comrade Kim Il Sung, developed the DPRK into an invincible politico-ideological power, a nuclear state and an unchallengeable military power, and opened a broad avenue for the building of a powerful socialist country.
\nRegarding \u201cThe people are my God\u201d as their maxim, Comrades Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il always mixed with the people, devoted their whole lives to them and turned the whole of society into a large family which is united in one mind by taking care of the people and leading them through their noble benevolent politics.
\nThe great Comrades Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il are the sun of the nation and the lodestar of national reunification. Regarding the reunification of the country as the supreme national task, they devoted all their efforts and care for its realization. They made the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea a powerful bastion for national reunification. At the same time, they set out the fundamental principle and ways of achieving national reunification and developed the movement for national reunification into a nationwide movement, opening the way for completing the cause of reunification through the united efforts of the whole nation.
\nThe great Comrades Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il clarified the basic ideals of the foreign policy of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea. On the basis of this, they expanded and developed the country\u2019s foreign relations and ensured that the international prestige of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea was exalted. As veteran world statesmen, they opened up a new era of independence, carried out energetic activities for strengthening and developing the socialist movement and the non-aligned movement, as well as for world peace and for friendship among peoples, and made an imperishable contribution to the cause of human independence.
\nComrade Kim Il Sung and Comrade Kim Jong Il were geniuses of ideology and theory, masters of the leadership art, ever-victorious iron-willed brilliant commanders, great revolutionaries and statesmen, and great men.
\nThe great ideas of Comrade Kim Il Sung and Comrade Kim Jong Il and the great achievements made under their leadership are the lasting treasures of the Korean revolution and the basic guarantee for the prosperity of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea, and the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun where Comrade Kim Il Sung and Comrade Kim Jong Il are preserved in their lifetime appearance is a grand monument to their immortality and a symbol of the dignity and eternal sanctuary of the entire Korean nation.
\nUnder the leadership of the Workers\u2019 Party of Korea, the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea and the Korean people will uphold the great Comrades Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il as the eternal leaders of Juche Korea, and will carry the revolutionary cause of Juche through to completion by defending and carrying forward their ideas and achievements.
\nThe Socialist Constitution of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea shall, as the codification of the Juche-oriented ideas of the great Comrades Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il on State building and their exploits in it, be called Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il Constitution.
\nThe Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea is an independent socialist State representing the interests of all the Korean people.
\nThe Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea is a revolutionary State which has inherited the brilliant traditions formed during the glorious revolutionary struggle against the imperialist aggressors and in the struggle to achieve the liberation of the homeland and the freedom and well-being of the people.
\nThe Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea is guided in its activities by the Juche idea and the Songun idea, a world outlook centred on people, a revolutionary ideology for achieving the independence of the masses of the people.
\nThe sovereignty of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea resides in the workers, peasants, soldiers, working intellectuals and all other working people. The working people exercise State power through their representative organs\u2013the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly and local People\u2019s Assemblies at all levels.
\nAll State organs in the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea are formed and function on the principle of democratic centralism.
\nThe organs of State power at all levels, from the county People\u2019s Assembly to the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly, are elected on the principle of universal, equal and direct suffrage by secret ballot.
\nDeputies to the organs of State power at all levels have close ties with their constituents and are accountable to them for their work. The electors may recall at any time the deputies they have elected if the latter lose the trust of the former.
\nThe social system of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea is a people-centred system under which the working people are the masters of everything and everything in society serves them. The State shall defend the interests of the workers, peasants, soldiers, working intellectuals and all other working people who have been freed from exploitation and oppression and become the masters of the State and society, and respect and protect human rights.
\nThe Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea shall strive to achieve the complete victory of socialism in the northern half of Korea by strengthening the people\u2019s power and vigorously performing the three revolutions\u2013ideological, technological and cultural\u2013and reunify the country on the principle of independence, peaceful reunification and great national unity.
\nThe Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea is underpinned by the politico-ideological unity of all the people based on the worker-peasant alliance led by the working class. The State shall revolutionize all the members of society, and assimilate them to the working class by intensifying the ideological revolution, and shall turn the whole of society into a collective, united in a comradely way.
\nThe Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea shall conduct all activities under the leadership of the Workers\u2019 Party of Korea.
\nThe State shall adhere to the class line and strengthen the dictatorship of the people\u2019s democracy so as to firmly defend the people\u2019s power and socialist system against all subversive acts of hostile elements at home and abroad.
\nThe State shall implement the mass line and apply the Chongsanri spirit and Chongsanri method to all its activities, the spirit and method by which superiors assist their subordinates, mix with the masses to find solutions to problems and rouse them to conscious enthusiasm by giving precedence to political work, work with people.
\nThe State shall determinedly conduct the Three-Revolution Red Flag Movement and other mass movements so as to accelerate the building of socialism to the maximum.
\nThe Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea shall champion the democratic national rights of Koreans overseas and their rights recognized by international law as well as their interests.
\nThe Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea shall guarantee the legal rights and interests of foreigners in its territory.
\nIndependence, peace and friendship are the basic ideals of the foreign policy and the principles of the external activities of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea. The State shall establish diplomatic as well as political, economic and cultural relations with all friendly countries, on the principles of complete equality, independence, mutual respect, non-interference in each other\u2019s affairs and mutual benefit. The State shall promote unity with people all over the world who defend their independence, and resolutely support and encourage the struggles of all people who oppose all forms of aggression and interference and fight for their countries\u2019 independence and national and class emancipation.
\nThe law of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea reflects the wishes and interests of the working people and is a basic instrument for State administration. Respect for the law and strict adherence to and execution of it is the duty of all institutions, enterprises, organizations and citizens. The State shall perfect the system of socialist law and promote the socialist law-abiding life.
\nThe Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea relies on socialist relations of production and on the foundation of an independent national economy.
\nIn the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea the means of production are owned by the State and social, cooperative organizations.
\nThe property of the State belongs to all the people. There is no limit to the property which the State can own. All natural resources, railways, air transport service, post and telecommunications establishments, as well as major factories and enterprises, ports and banks of the country are owned solely by the State. The State shall protect and develop on a preferential basis State property which plays the leading role in the economic development of the country.
\nThe property of social, cooperative organizations is collectively owned by the working people involved in the organizations concerned. Land, farm machinery and ships, as well as small and medium-sized factories and enterprises may be owned by social, cooperative organizations. The State shall protect the property of social, cooperative organizations.
\nThe State shall enhance the ideological consciousness and the technical and cultural level of the peasants, increase the role of the property of all the people in leading the cooperative property so as to combine the two forms of property in an organic way, and shall consolidate and develop the socialist cooperative economic system by improving the guidance and management of the cooperative economy and gradually transform the property of cooperative organizations into the property of the people as a whole based on the voluntary will of all their members.
\nPrivate property is property owned and consumed by individual citizens. Private property is derived from socialist distribution according to work done and from supplementary benefits granted by the State and society. The products of individual sideline activities including those from kitchen gardens, as well as income from other legal economic activities shall also be private property. The State shall protect private property and guarantee by law the right to inherit it.
\nThe Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea regards the steady improvement of the material and cultural standards of the people as the supreme principle of its activities. The increasing material wealth of society in our country, where taxes have been abolished, is used entirely to promote the well-being of the working people. The State shall provide all the working people with every condition for obtaining food, clothing and housing.
\nThe independent national economy of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea is a solid foundation for the people\u2019s happy socialist life and for the country\u2019s prosperity. The State, adhering to the line of building a socialist, independent national economy, shall endeavor to promote the national economy on a Juche-oriented, modern and scientific basis so as to make the national economy a highly developed, Juche-oriented economy and build material and technical foundations commensurate with a completely socialist society.
\nThe technological revolution is a basic link for developing the socialist economy. The State shall conduct all economic activities giving primary preference to technical development at all times, push ahead with scientific and technological development and the technical renovation of the national economy and vigorously promote the mass technical innovation movement so as to free the working people from difficult, tiresome labour and to narrow the distinctions between physical and mental labour.
\nThe State shall industrialize and modernize agriculture through the rural technical revolution and improve the role of the county and its guidance and assistance to rural areas in order to eliminate the difference between town and countryside and the class distinction between workers and peasants. The State shall undertake, at its own expense, the building of production facilities for cooperative farms and modern houses in the countryside.
\nSocialism is built by the creative labour of the working people. Labour in the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea is independent and creative labour of the working people, freed from exploitation and oppression. The State renders the labour of our working people, to whom unemployment is unknown, more joyful and worthwhile, so that they willingly work with conscious enthusiasm and creativeness for society, the collective and themselves.
\nThe working day shall be eight hours. The length of the working day shall be reduced by the State in arduous trades and other special categories of work. The State shall guarantee that the working hours are fully utilized through proper organization of labour and enforcement of labour discipline.
\nIn the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea the minimum working age is 16 years. The State shall prohibit the employment of those under the minimum working age.
\nThe State shall firmly adhere to the principle of properly combining political guidance with economic and technical guidance, the unified guidance of the State with the creativeness of each unit, unitary direction with democracy, and political and moral incentive with material incentive in the guidance and management of the socialist economy.
\nThe State shall direct and manage the national economy through the Taean work system, a socialist form of economic management whereby the economy is operated and managed scientifically and rationally on the basis of the collective efforts of the producer masses, and through the system of agricultural guidance whereby agricultural management is conducted by industrial methods. The State shall enforce the self-accounting system in economic management to meet the requirements of the Taean work system, and shall make proper use of such economic levers as cost, price and profit.
\nThe national economy of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea is a planned economy. The State shall draw up and implement the plans for the development of the national economy in accordance with the laws of socialist economic development so that the balance between accumulation and consumption can be maintained correctly, economic construction accelerated, the people\u2019s standard of living steadily raised and the nation\u2019s defence capabilities strengthened. The State shall ensure a high rate of growth in production and a balanced development of the national economy by implementing unified and detailed planning.
\nThe Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea shall compile and implement the State budget according to the national economic development plan. The State shall systematically increase its material accumulation and expand and develop socialist property by intensifying the campaign for increased production and greater economy and by exercising strict financial control in all spheres.
\nIn the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea foreign trade is conducted by the State organs and enterprises, and social, cooperative organizations. The State shall develop foreign trade on the principles of complete equality and mutual benefit.
\nThe State shall encourage institutions, enterprises and organizations in the country to conduct equity or contractual joint ventures with foreign corporations and individuals, and to establish and operate enterprises of various kinds in special economic zones.
\nThe State shall pursue a tariff policy to protect the independent national economy.
\nSocialist culture, which is flourishing and developing in the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea, contributes to improving the creative ability of the working people and to meeting their sound cultural and aesthetic demands.
\nThe Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea shall, by carrying out a thorough cultural revolution, train all the people to be builders of socialism equipped with a profound knowledge of nature and society and a high level of culture and technology, thus making the whole of society intellectual.
\nThe Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea shall develop a truly people-oriented, revolutionary culture which serves the socialist working people. In building a socialist national culture, the State shall oppose the cultural infiltration of imperialism and any tendency to return to the past, protect its national cultural heritage, and develop it in keeping with the existing socialist situation.
\nThe State shall eliminate the way of life inherited from the outmoded society and establish a new socialist way of life in every sphere.
\nThe State shall embody the principles of socialist pedagogy so as to raise the rising generation to be steadfast revolutionaries who will fight for society and the people, to be people of the new, Juche type who are knowledgeable, morally sound and physically healthy.
\nThe State shall give precedence to public education and the training of cadres for the nation and closely combine general education with technological education, and education with productive labour.
\nThe State shall develop universal compulsory twelve-year education which includes compulsory one-year preschool education at a high level in accordance with the trend of modern science and technology and the practical requirements of socialist construction.
\nThe State shall train competent technicians and experts by enhancing the regular educational system as well as different forms of studying while working, and by improving the scientific and theoretical levels of technological education and education in the social and basic sciences.
\nThe State shall provide education to all pupils and students free of charge and grant allowances to students at universities and colleges.
\nThe State shall strengthen social education and provide the working people with all conditions for study.
\nThe State shall maintain all children of preschool age in creches and kindergartens at State and public expense.
\nThe State shall establish Juche in scientific research, introduce advanced science and technology in every possible way, open up new areas of science and technology and raise the country\u2019s science and technology to the world level.
\nThe State shall elaborate a correct plan to develop science and technology, set up a strict discipline to implement it, and strengthen creative cooperation among scientists, technicians and producers.
\nThe State shall develop Juche-oriented, revolutionary art and literature, national in form and socialist in content. The State shall encourage creative workers and artists to produce works of high ideological and artistic value and enlist the broad sections of the masses in literary and artistic activities.
\nThe State shall provide sufficient modern cultural facilities to meet the demands of the people who want to continually improve themselves, both mentally and physically, so that the working people enjoy a full socialist cultured, aesthetic life.
\nThe State shall safeguard our language from all attempts to obliterate it and shall develop it to meet present-day needs.
\nThe State shall thoroughly prepare all the people for work and national defence by popularizing physical culture and sport and making it their daily regime, and augment sporting skills to meet our country\u2019s reality and the trend in modern sporting skills.
\nThe State shall protect the people\u2019s lives and improve the working people\u2019s health by consolidating and developing the system of universal free medical service and improving the district doctor system and the system of preventive medicine.
\nThe State shall adopt measures to protect the environment, giving it preference over production, preserve and promote the natural environment and prevent environmental pollution so as to provide the people with a hygienic living environment and working conditions.
\nThe Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea is shored up by the all-people, nationwide defence system.
\nThe mission of the armed forces of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea is to defend the leadership of the revolution, to safeguard the interests of the working people, to defend the socialist system and the gains of the revolution, and to protect the freedom, independence and peace of the country from foreign aggression by implementing the Songun-based revolutionary line.
\nThe State shall implement the line of self-reliant defence, the import of which is to train the army to be a cadre army, modernize the army, arm all the people and fortify the country on the basis of equipping the army and the people politically and ideologically.
\nThe State shall establish a revolutionary command system and military climate, strengthen military and mass disciplines in the army, and give full play to the noble traditional traits of unity between officers and men, combination of the military and political work and unity between the army and the people.
\nThe requirements for becoming a citizen of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea are defined by the Law on Nationality. A citizen is under the protection of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea regardless of domicile.
\nIn the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea the rights and duties of citizens are based on the collectivist principle: \u201cOne for all and all for one.\u201d
\nThe State shall effectively guarantee the genuine democratic rights and freedoms as well as the material and cultural well-being of all its citizens. In the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea the rights and freedoms of citizens shall be amplified with the consolidation and development of the socialist system.
\nCitizens enjoy equal rights in all spheres of State and public activity.
\nAll citizens who have reached the age of 17 have the right to elect and to be elected, irrespective of sex, race, occupation, length of residence, property status, education, party affiliation, political views or religious belief. Citizens serving in the armed forces also have the right to elect and to be elected. A person who has been disenfranchised by a Court decision and a person legally certified insane do not have the right to elect or to be elected.
\nCitizens are guaranteed freedom of speech, the press, assembly, demonstration and association. The State shall guarantee the conditions for the free activities of democratic political parties and social organizations.
\nCitizens have freedom of religious belief. This right is granted through the approval of the construction of religious buildings and the holding of religious ceremonies. Religion must not be used as a pretext for drawing in foreign forces or for harming the State or social order.
\nCitizens are entitled to submit complaints and petitions. The State shall investigate and deal with complaints and petitions impartially as stipulated by law.
\nCitizens have the right to work. All able-bodied citizens may choose occupations in accordance with their wishes and skills and are provided with stable jobs and working conditions. Citizens work according to their abilities and are paid in accordance with the quantity and quality of their work.
\nCitizens have the right to relaxation. This right is ensured by the establishment of working hours, and the provision of holidays, paid leave, accommodation at health resorts and holiday homes at State expense and by a growing network of cultural facilities.
\nCitizens are entitled to free medical care, and all persons who are no longer able to work because of old age, illness or physical disability, and seniors and minors who have no means of support are all entitled to material assistance. This right is ensured by free medical care, an expanding network of hospitals, sanatoria and other medical institutions, State social insurance and other social security systems.
\nCitizens have the right to education. This right is ensured by an advanced educational system and by the educational measures enacted by the State for the benefit of the people.
\nCitizens are free to engage in scientific, literary and artistic pursuits. The State shall grant benefits to inventors and innovators. Copyrights, inventions and patents shall be protected by law.
\nCitizens have freedom of residence and travel.
\nRevolutionary fighters, the families of revolutionary and patriotic martyrs, the families of soldiers of the People\u2019s Army and soldiers disabled on duty enjoy the special protection of the State and society.
\nWomen are accorded equal social status and rights with men. The State shall afford special protection to mothers and children by providing maternity leave, reduced working hours for mothers with several children, a wide network of maternity hospitals, creches and kindergartens, and other measures. The State shall provide all conditions for women to play their full roles in society.
\nMarriage and the family shall be protected by the State. The State pays great attention to consolidating the family, the basic unit of social life.
\nCitizens are guaranteed inviolability of the person and the home, and privacy of correspondence. No citizen can be placed under control or arrest nor can a citizen\u2019s home be searched without a legal warrant.
\nThe Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea shall grant the right of asylum to foreign nationals persecuted for struggling for peace and democracy, national independence and socialism or for the freedom of scientific and cultural pursuits.
\nCitizens shall firmly safeguard the political and ideological unity and solidarity of the people. Citizens shall cherish their organization and collective and work devotedly for the good of society and the people.
\nCitizens shall strictly observe the laws of the State and the socialist standards of life and defend their honour and dignity as citizens of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea.
\nWork is the noble duty and honour of a citizen. Citizens shall willingly and conscientiously participate in work and strictly observe labour discipline and working hours.
\nCitizens shall take good care of the property of the State and social, cooperative organizations, combat all forms of misappropriation and waste and manage the nation\u2019s economy diligently as the masters. The property of the State and social, cooperative organizations is inviolable.
\nCitizens shall constantly increase their revolutionary vigilance and devotedly fight for the security of the State.
\nNational defence is the supreme duty and honour of citizens. Citizens shall defend the country and serve in the armed forces as required by law.
\nArticle 87
\nThe Supreme People\u2019s Assembly is the highest organ of State power in the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea.
\nArticle 88
\nLegislative power is exercised by the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly. The Presidium of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly also may exercise legislative power when the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly is not in session.
\nArticle 89
\nThe Supreme People\u2019s Assembly is composed of deputies elected on the principle of universal, equal and direct suffrage by secret ballot.
\nArticle 90
\nThe Supreme People\u2019s Assembly is elected for a term of five years. A new Supreme People\u2019s Assembly is elected according to a decision of the Presidium of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly prior to the expiry of the former\u2019s term of office. When unavoidable circumstances render an election impossible, the term of office of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly is prolonged until an election can be held.
\nArticle 91
\nThe Supreme People\u2019s Assembly has the authority to:
\namend or supplement the Constitution;
\nadopt, amend or supplement laws;
\napprove the major laws adopted by the Presidium of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly, when the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly is not in session;
\nestablish the basic principles of the State\u2019s domestic and foreign policies;
\nelect or recall the Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea;
\nelect or recall the President of the Presidium of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly;
\nelect or recall the Vice-Chairmen and members of the State Affairs Commission on the recommendation of the Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea;
\nelect or recall the Vice-Presidents, Honorary Vice-Presidents, Secretary and members of the Presidium of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly;
\nelect or recall the Premier of the Cabinet;
\nappoint the Vice-Premiers, Chairmen, Ministers and other members of the Cabinet on the recommendation of the Premier of the Cabinet;
\nappoint or remove the Prosecutor General of the Central Public Prosecutors Office;
\nelect or recall the President of the Central Court;
\nelect or recall the Chairmen, Vice-Chairmen and members of the Committees of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly;
\ndeliberate and approve the State plan for the development of the national economy and the report on its implementation;
\ndeliberate and approve the State budget and the report on its implementation;
\nhear a report on the work of the Cabinet and the central bodies when necessary, and adopt relevant measures;
\ndecide on ratification and nullification of treaties suggested to the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly.
\nArticle 92
\nThe Supreme People\u2019s Assembly holds regular and extraordinary sessions. Regular sessions are convened once or twice a year by the Presidium of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly. Extraordinary sessions are convened when the Presidium of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly deems them necessary, or at the request of a minimum of one-third of the total number of deputies.
\nArticle 93
\nThe Supreme People\u2019s Assembly requires a quorum of at least two-thirds of the total number of deputies in order to meet.
\nArticle 94
\nThe Supreme People\u2019s Assembly elects its Speaker and Deputy Speaker. The Speaker presides over the sessions.
\nArticle 95
\nItems to be considered at the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly are submitted by the Chairman of the State Affairs Commission, the State Affairs Commission, the Presidium of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly, the Cabinet and the Committees of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea. Items can also be presented by deputies.
\nArticle 96
\nThe first session of each Supreme People\u2019s Assembly elects the Credentials Committee and, on hearing the Committee\u2019s report, adopts a decision confirming the credentials of deputies.
\nArticle 97
\nThe Supreme People\u2019s Assembly issues laws, ordinances and decisions. Laws, ordinances and decisions of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly are adopted when more than half of the deputies attending signify approval by a show of hands. The Constitution is amended or supplemented with the approval of more than two-thirds of the total number of deputies to the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly.
\nArticle 98
\nThe Supreme People\u2019s Assembly appoints the Bills Committee, the Budget Committee and other Committees. The Committees of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly consist of Chairman, Vice-Chairman and members. The Committees of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly assist in the work of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly; they plan or deliberate the State policy and bills and take measures for their implementation. The Committees of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly work under the guidance of the Presidium of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly during the intervals between sessions of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly.
\nArticle 99
\nDeputies to the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly are guaranteed inviolability. No deputy to the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly may be arrested or punished without the consent of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly or, when it is not in session, without the consent of its Presidium, unless he or she is caught in the act.
\nArticle 100
\nThe Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea is the supreme leader of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea.
\nArticle 101
\nThe term of office of the Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea is the same as that of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly.
\nArticle 102
\nThe Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea is the supreme commander of the whole armed forces of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea and commands and directs all the armed forces of the State.
\nArticle 103
\nThe Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea has the following duties and authority to:
\ndirect the overall affairs of the State;
\npersonally guide the work of the State Affairs Commission;
\nappoint or remove key cadres of the State;
\nratify or rescind major treaties concluded with other countries;
\nexercise the right of granting special pardon;
\nproclaim a state of emergency, a state of war and mobilization order within the country;
\norganize and direct the National Defence Committee in wartime.
\nArticle 104
\nThe Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea issues orders.
\nArticle 105
\nThe Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea is accountable to the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly.
\nArticle 106
\nThe State Affairs Commission is the supreme policy-oriented leadership body of State power.
\nArticle 107
\nThe State Affairs Commission consists of the Chairman, Vice-Chairmen and members.
\nArticle 108
\nThe term of office of the State Affairs Commission is the same as that of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly.
\nArticle 109
\nThe State Affairs Commission has the following duties and authority to:
\ndiscuss and decide important policies of the State, including those for defence building;
\nexercise supervision over the fulfillment of the orders of the Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea and the decisions and directives of the State Affairs Commission, and take measures for their fulfillment;
\nabrogate decisions and directives of State organs which run counter to the orders of the Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea and the decisions and directives of the State Affairs Commission.
\nArticle 110
\nThe State Affairs Commission issues decisions and directives.
\nArticle 111
\nThe State Affairs Commission is accountable to the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly.
\nArticle 112
\nThe Presidium of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly is the highest organ of State power when the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly is not in session.
\nArticle 113
\nThe Presidium of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly consists of the President, Vice-Presidents, Secretary and members.
\nArticle 114
\nThe Presidium of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly may have a few Honorary Vice-Presidents. Honorary Vice-Presidents of the Presidium of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly may be deputies to the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly who have participated in the work of State building for a long time and rendered distinguished service.
\nArticle 115
\nThe term of office of the Presidium of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly is the same as that of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly. The Presidium of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly continues its work until a new Presidium is elected, even after the term of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly expires.
\nArticle 116
\nThe Presidium of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly has the following duties and authority to:
\nconvene sessions of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly;
\ndeliberate and adopt the new draft bills and regulations and amendments and supplements to the current laws and regulations raised in the intervals between sessions of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly and obtain the approval of the next session of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly for major laws which are adopted and enforced;
\ndeliberate and approve the State plan for the development of the national economy, the State budget and plans for their adjustment raised for unavoidable reasons in the intervals between sessions of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly;
\ninterpret the Constitution as well as current laws and regulations;
\nsupervise law observance by the State organs and take relevant measures;
\nrescind the decisions and directives of State bodies which run counter to the Constitution, laws, ordinances and decisions of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly, orders of the Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea, the decisions and directives of the State Affairs Commission, and the decrees, decisions and directives of the Presidium of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly, and suspend the implementation of unwarranted decisions of local People\u2019s Assemblies;
\nconduct the election of deputies to the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly and organize the elections of deputies to the local People\u2019s Assemblies;
\nwork with the deputies to the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly;
\nwork with the Committees of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly;
\nset up or abolish Commissions and Ministries of the Cabinet;
\nappoint or remove Vice-Premiers, Chairmen, Ministers and other members of the Cabinet on the recommendation of the Premier of the Cabinet when the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly is not in session;
\nappoint or remove members of Committees of the Presidium of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly;
\nelect or recall the Judges and People\u2019s Assessors of the Central Court;
\napprove or nullify treaties concluded with other countries;
\ndecide and make public the appointment or recall of diplomatic representatives to other countries;
\ninstitute decorations, medals, titles of honour and diplomatic ranks and confer decorations, medals and titles of honour;
\ngrant general amnesties;
\nestablish or alter administrative units and districts;
\nconduct external activities including contacts with foreign parliaments and inter-parliamentary organizations.
\nArticle 117
\nThe President of the Presidium of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly organizes and guides the work of the Presidium. The President of the Presidium of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly represents the State and receives the credentials and letters of recall of diplomatic representatives accredited by foreign countries.
\nArticle 118
\nThe Presidium of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly convenes Plenary Meetings and Meetings of the Permanent Committee. The Plenary Meeting consists of all the members. The Meeting of the Permanent Committee consists of the President, Vice-Presidents and Secretary.
\nArticle 119
\nThe Plenary Meeting of the Presidium of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly deliberates and decides on important matters arising in fulfilling the duties of the Presidium and exercising its authority. The Meeting of the Permanent Committee deliberates and decides on matters entrusted to it by the Plenary Meeting.
\nArticle 120
\nThe Presidium of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly issues decrees, decisions and directives.
\nArticle 121
\nThe Presidium of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly may have Committees to assist it in its work.
\nArticle 122
\nThe Presidium of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly is accountable to the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly.
\nArticle 123
\nThe Cabinet is the administrative and executive body of State power and organ of overall State administration.
\nArticle 124
\nThe Cabinet consists of the Premier, Vice-Premiers, Chairmen, Ministers and other members as required. The term of office of the Cabinet is the same as that of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly.
\nArticle 125
\nThe Cabinet has the following duties and authority to:
\nadopt measures for the implementation of State policies;
\nadopt, amend or supplement the regulations on State administration on the basis of the Constitution and the laws;
\ndirect the work of the Commissions and Ministries of the Cabinet, organs directly under its authority and local People\u2019s Committees;
\nestablish or abolish organs directly under its authority, major administrative and economic bodies and enterprises, and adopt measures for improving State administration bodies;
\ndraft the State plan for the development of the national economy and adopt measures to put it into effect;
\ncompile the State budget and adopt measures to implement it;
\norganize and execute the work of industry, agriculture, construction, transport, post and telecommunications, commerce, foreign trade, land administration, municipal administration, education, science, culture, health service, physical culture and sport, labour administration, protection of environment, tourism, and so on;
\nadopt measures to strengthen the monetary and banking system;
\ninspect and control the establishment of order in State administration;
\nadopt measures to maintain public order, protect the property and interests of the State and social, cooperative organizations, and safeguard the rights of citizens;
\nconclude treaties with foreign countries and conduct external affairs;
\nrescind the decisions and directives of administrative and economic bodies which run counter to the decisions and directives of the Cabinet.
\nArticle 126
\nThe Premier of the Cabinet organizes and guides the work of the Cabinet. The Premier of the Cabinet represents the Government of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea.
\nArticle 127
\nThe Cabinet convenes Plenary Meetings and Meetings of the Permanent Committee. The Plenary Meeting of the Cabinet consists of all the members of the Cabinet. The Meeting of the Permanent Committee consists of the Premier, Vice-Premiers and other members of the Cabinet appointed by the Premier.
\nArticle 128
\nThe Plenary Meeting of the Cabinet deliberates and decides on new and important administrative and economic matters. The Meeting of the Permanent Committee deliberates and decides on matters referred to it by the Plenary Meeting of the Cabinet.
\nArticle 129
\nThe Cabinet issues decisions and directives.
\nArticle 130
\nThe Cabinet may have non-permanent committees to assist it in its work.
\nArticle 131
\nThe Cabinet is accountable to the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly and to the Presidium of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly when the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly is not in session.
\nArticle 132
\nThe newly-elected Premier of the Cabinet takes an oath of allegiance on behalf of the members of the Cabinet at the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly.
\nArticle 133
\nThe Commissions and Ministries of the Cabinet are departmental executive bodies of the Cabinet and central departmental bodies of administration.
\nArticle 134
\nThe Commissions and Ministries of the Cabinet supervise and guide the work of the sectors concerned in a uniform way under the guidance of the Cabinet.
\nArticle 135
\nThe Commissions and Ministries of the Cabinet run committee meetings and cadre meetings. The committee meeting and cadre meeting deliberate and decide on the measures for the implementation of the decisions and directives of the Cabinet and other important matters.
\nArticle 136
\nThe Commissions and Ministries of the Cabinet issue directives.
\nArticle 137
\nThe People\u2019s Assembly of a province (or municipality directly under central authority), city (or district) or county is the local organ of State power.
\nArticle 138
\nThe local People\u2019s Assembly consists of deputies elected on the principle of universal, equal and direct suffrage by secret ballot.
\nArticle 139
\nThe term of office of the People\u2019s Assembly of a province (or municipality directly under central authority), city (or district) or county is four years. A new local People\u2019s Assembly is elected according to the decision of the local People\u2019s Committee at the corresponding level prior to the expiry of the former\u2019s term of office. When unavoidable circumstances render an election impossible, the term of office of the local People\u2019s Assembly is prolonged until an election can be held.
\nArticle 140
\nThe local People\u2019s Assembly has the following duties and authority to:
\ndeliberate and approve the local plan for the development of the national economy and the report on its implementation;
\ndeliberate and approve the local budget and the report on its implementation;
\nadopt measures to observe State laws in the area concerned;
\nelect or recall the Chairman, Vice-Chairmen, Secretary and members of the People\u2019s Committee at the corresponding level;
\nelect or recall the Judges and People\u2019s Assessors of the Court at the corresponding level;
\nrescind unwarranted decisions and directives of the People\u2019s Committee at the corresponding level and the People\u2019s Assemblies and People\u2019s Committees at lower levels.
\nArticle 141
\nThe local People\u2019s Assembly convenes regular and extraordinary sessions. Regular sessions are convened once or twice a year by the People\u2019s Committee at the corresponding level. Extraordinary sessions are convened when the People\u2019s Committee at the corresponding level deems them necessary or at the request of a minimum of one-third of the total number of deputies.
\nArticle 142
\nThe local People\u2019s Assembly requires a quorum of at least two-thirds of the total number of deputies in order to meet.
\nArticle 143
\nThe local People\u2019s Assembly elects its Speaker. The Speaker presides over the sessions.
\nArticle 144
\nThe local People\u2019s Assembly issues decisions.
\nArticle 145
\nThe People\u2019s Committee of a province (or municipality directly under central authority), city (or district) or county exercises the function of the local organ of State power when the People\u2019s Assembly at the corresponding level is not in session and the administrative and executive organ of State power at the corresponding level.
\nArticle 146
\nThe local People\u2019s Committee consists of the Chairman, Vice-Chairmen, Secretary and members. The term of office of the local People\u2019s Committee is the same as that of the corresponding People\u2019s Assembly.
\nArticle 147
\nThe local People\u2019s Committee has the following duties and authority to:
\nconvene sessions of the People\u2019s Assembly;
\norganize the election of deputies to the People\u2019s Assembly;
\nwork with the deputies to the People\u2019s Assembly;
\nimplement the decisions and directives of the corresponding local People\u2019s Assembly and the People\u2019s Committees at higher levels, the laws, ordinances and decisions of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly, the orders of the Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People\u2019 Republic of Korea, the decisions and directives of the State Affairs Commission, the decrees, decisions and directives of the Presidium of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly and the decisions and directives of the Cabinet and the Commissions and Ministries of the Cabinet;
\norganize and carry out all administrative affairs in the given area;
\ndraft the local plan for the development of the national economy and adopt measures to implement it;
\ncompile the local budget and adopt measures for its implementation;
\nadopt measures to maintain public order, protect the property and interests of the State and social, cooperative organizations and safeguard the rights of citizens in the given area;
\ninspect and control the establishment of order in State administration in the given area;
\ndirect the work of the People\u2019s Committees at lower levels;
\nrescind unwarranted decisions and directives of the People\u2019s Committees at lower levels, and suspend the implementation of unwarranted decisions of the People\u2019s Assemblies at lower levels.
\nArticle 148
\nThe local People\u2019s Committee convenes Plenary Meetings and Meetings of the Permanent Committee. The Plenary Meeting of the local People\u2019s Committee consists of all its members. The Meeting of the Permanent Committee consists of the Chairman, Vice-Chairmen and Secretary.
\nArticle 149
\nThe Plenary Meeting of the local People\u2019s Committee deliberates and decides on important matters arising in implementing its duties and exercising its authority. The Meeting of the Permanent Committee deliberates and decides on the matters referred to it by the Plenary Meeting.
\nArticle 150
\nThe local People\u2019s Committee issues decisions and directives.
\nArticle 151
\nThe local People\u2019s Committee may have non-permanent committees to assist it in its work.
\nArticle 152
\nThe local People\u2019s Committee is accountable to the corresponding People\u2019s Assembly. The local People\u2019s Committee is subordinate to the People\u2019s Committees at higher levels, the Cabinet and the Presidium of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly.
\nArticle 153
\nInvestigation and prosecution are conducted by the Central Public Prosecutors Office, the Public Prosecutors Offices of a province (or municipality directly under central authority), city (or district) or county and the Special Public Prosecutors Office.
\nArticle 154
\nThe term of office of the Prosecutor General of the Central Public Prosecutors Office is the same as that of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly.
\nArticle 155
\nPublic prosecutors are appointed or removed by the Central Public Prosecutors Office.
\nArticle 156
\nThe functions of the Public Prosecutors Office are to:
\nensure the strict observance of State laws by institutions, enterprises, organizations and citizens;
\nensure that the decisions and directives of State bodies conform with the Constitution, the laws, ordinances and decisions of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly, the orders of the Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea, the decisions and directives of the State Affairs Commission, the decrees, decisions and directives of the Presidium of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly, and the decisions and directives of the Cabinet;
\nidentify and institute legal proceedings against criminals and offenders in order to protect the State power of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea, the socialist system, the property of the State and social, cooperative organizations, personal rights as guaranteed by the Constitution and the people\u2019s lives and property.
\nArticle 157
\nInvestigation and prosecution are conducted under the unified direction of the Central Public Prosecutors Office, and all Public Prosecutors Offices are subordinate to their higher offices and the Central Public Prosecutors Office.
\nArticle 158
\nThe Central Public Prosecutors Office is accountable to the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly and to the Presidium of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly when the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly is not in session.
\nArticle 159
\nJustice is administered by the Central Court, the Court of a province (or municipality directly under central authority), the City (or District) or County People\u2019s Courts, and the Special Court. Verdicts are delivered in the name of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea.
\nArticle 160
\nThe term of office of the President of the Central Court is the same as that of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly. The term of office of Judges and People\u2019s Assessors of the Central Court, the Court of a province (or municipality directly under central authority) and the City (or District) or County People\u2019s Courts is the same as that of the People\u2019s Assembly at the corresponding level.
\nArticle 161
\nThe President and Judges of the Special Court are appointed or removed by the Supreme Court. The People\u2019s Assessors of the Special Court are elected by the soldiers of the unit concerned or by employees at their meetings.
\nArticle 162
\nThe functions of the Court are to:
\nprotect through judicial procedure the State power and the socialist system established in the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea, the property of the State and social, cooperative organizations, personal rights as guaranteed by the Constitution, and the lives and property of citizens;
\nensure that all institutions, enterprises, organizations and citizens abide strictly by State laws and staunchly combat class enemies and all law-breakers;
\ngive judgements and findings with regard to property and conduct notarial work.
\nArticle 163
\nJustice is administered by a Court consisting of one Judge and two People\u2019s Assessors. In special cases there may be three Judges.
\nArticle 164
\nCourt cases are heard in public and the accused is guaranteed the right of defence. Hearings may be closed to the public as stipulated by law.
\nArticle 165
\nJudicial proceedings are conducted in the Korean language. Foreign citizens may use their own language during court proceedings.
\nArticle 166
\nIn administering justice, the Court is independent, and judicial proceedings are carried out in strict accordance with the law.
\nArticle 167
\nThe Central Court is the highest judicial organ of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea. The Central Court supervises the judicial activities of all the Courts.
\nArticle 168
\nThe Central Court is accountable to the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly and to the Presidium of the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly when the Supreme People\u2019s Assembly is not in session.
\nThe national emblem of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea bears the design of a grand hydroelectric power station under Mt. Paektu, the sacred mountain of the revolution, and the beaming light of a five-pointed red star, with ears of rice forming an oval frame, bound with a red ribbon bearing the inscription \u201cThe Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea.\u201d
\nThe national flag of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea consists of a central red panel, bordered both above and below by a narrow white stripe and a broad blue stripe. The central red panel bears a five-pointed red star within a white circle near the hoist. The ratio of the width to the length is 1:2.
\nThe national anthem of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea is \u201cThe Patriotic Song.\u201d
\nThe capital of the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea is Pyongyang.
\n