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The symbols of Cuba as expressed in the Cuban constitution, posted in an elementary school in Trinidad. |
The Cuban constitution contains 137 articles that outline the rights and duties of Cuban citizens, powers of the state, the organization of government, and other associated ideas. Here is a list of the some of the articles. Which ones are similar or different to those in the U.S. constitution?
Art. 1 : Cuba is a socialist State of workers, independent and sovereign, organized with all and for the well-being of all . . .
Art. 4 : The national symbols are those that have presided for more than 100 years of Cuban struggles for independence, for the rights of the people and for social progress: the flag with a solitary star; the hymn of Bayamo; and the shield of the royal palm.
Art. 5 : The Communist Party of Cuba . . . is the superior directing force of society and of State . . .
Art. 9 : The State . . .
. . . guarantees . . . that there will be no man or woman, capable of and willing to work, that does not have the opportunity to obtain a job in which s/he can contribute to the benefit of society and to the benefit of him- or herself;
. . . that there is not a sick person that does not have medical attention;
. . . that there is not a person that does not have access to education, culture and sport.
. . . [the State also] works to achieve that there is not a family that does not have a comfortable place to live.
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"Anti-Imperialists" (Havana, sponsored by the Union of Young Communists) |
Art. 12 : The Republic of Cuba takes as its own the anti-imperialist and internationalist principles, and . . . repudiates direct or indirect intervention in the internal or external affairs of any State and, as such, armed aggression, economic blockade, or any other form of economic or political coercion . . .
Art. 15 : The Socialist State of the People owns . . .
. . . the sugar mills, the factories, the methods of transportation, and many businesses, banks and installations that have been nationalized and expropriated from the imperialists, large landowners and bourgeoisie . . .
Art. 27 : The State protects the environment and the natural resources of the country.
Art. 35 : The State protects the family, maternity and marriage. The State recognizes that the family is the fundamental cell of society and attributes to it responsibilities and essential functions in the education and formation of new generations.
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"Dedicate yourself to the family... the most noble thing about you." (Havana) |
Art. 52 : Everyone has the right to physical education, to sport and to recreation.
Art. 53 : Freedom of press is granted to citizens as long as it conforms to the socialist society.
Art. 65 : The defense of the socialist homeland is the greatest honor and supreme duty of each Cuban. . . Treason of the homeland is the most grave crime; he who commits it is subjected to the most severe sanctions.