Which country has the longest written national Constitution in the world in terms of its length and detail?

Introduction / Context:

Constitutions differ widely in their form and length. Some are short and broad, while others are detailed and elaborate. The Constitution of India is famous for being one of the most comprehensive written constitutions in the world. This question asks you to identify which country has the longest written national Constitution in terms of its extent and detail, a classic static general knowledge fact.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question is about the length of written national Constitutions.
• Options include the United States of America, China, India, and Great Britain.
• We assume a comparison at the level of national Constitutions, not state or provincial documents.
• We focus on written, single document Constitutions, not unwritten or partly codified systems.

Concept / Approach:

The Constitution of India, adopted in 1950, is widely regarded as the longest written national Constitution in the world. It contains numerous Articles, Schedules, and detailed provisions on Union and State relations, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, special provisions for various groups, and administrative structures. In comparison, the Constitution of the United States is relatively short and general. Great Britain does not have a single written Constitution but relies on a combination of statutes, conventions, and judicial decisions. China's Constitution, though important, is not as long or detailed as India's fundamental law.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

You can verify this through any standard Indian Polity textbook, which introduces the Constitution by mentioning its extraordinary length and detail. It is regularly noted that India's Constitution draws on many sources and covers a very wide range of subjects, from Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles to local bodies and emergency provisions. In contrast, the United States Constitution has only a handful of Articles and amendments, and Great Britain relies on an uncodified constitutional framework. These comparisons confirm India's position as having the lengthiest written Constitution.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Option A, the United States of America, has one of the shortest written Constitutions, not the longest. Option B, China, does have a written Constitution, but it is not as long or detailed as India's. Option D, Great Britain, does not have a single written Constitution; its constitutional system is largely unwritten or partly codified in various statutes and conventions. Hence, none of these options match the known fact that India has the longest written national Constitution.

Common Pitfalls:

Students sometimes assume that highly influential or older constitutions, such as that of the United States, might also be the largest, but influence and age are unrelated to length. Another pitfall is overlooking the fact that Great Britain lacks a codified Constitution, which immediately removes it from consideration. To avoid confusion, always remember the specific exam line that the Constitution of India is the lengthiest written Constitution in the world.

Final Answer:

The country with the longest written national Constitution in the world is India.