Constitution Day —, the holiday of the fundamental document of the Republic — is celebrated in Armenia annually on July 5, is a non-working day in the country and is accompanied by various festive and solemn events.
On this day in 1995, the draft Basic Law, prepared by the ideologists of the then ruling — party in the country, the Armenian National Movement —, was submitted to a national referendum and approved by the people of Armenia. The Basic Law of 1995 became the first Constitution of independent Armenia under which the Republic lives.
Changes to the country's Constitution were made twice — by referendum on November 27, 2005 and referendum on December 6, 2015.
Article 1 of the Constitution reads:
«Republic of Armenia — sovereign, democratic, social, rule of law state».
Article 2 declares that «power in the Republic of Armenia belongs to the people. The people exercise their power through free elections, referendums, as well as through state bodies, local governments and officials provided for by the Constitution. Usurpation of power by any organization or individual is a crime».
In accordance with the Constitution, the coat of arms of Armenia depicts Mount Ararat with Noah's Ark and the coats of arms of the four kingdoms of historical Armenia. The shield is supported by an eagle and a lion, and under the shield there is a sword, a branch, a sheaf of ears, a chain and a ribbon. The flag of Armenia — is tricolor, with horizontal uniform stripes of red, blue and orange. Anthem of the Republic — «Our Motherland». The city of Yerevan is named the capital of Armenia.
According to the Constitution, a presidential-parliamentary form of government is established in Armenia. Legislative power is exercised by the National Assembly, executive power — Government. The guarantor of the independence, territorial integrity and security of the Republic is the President.
On July 5, Armenia also celebrates the Day of State Symbols — of the flag, coat of arms and anthem of the Republic.