Recent Constitutional Amendments in Jordan (2011-2016) and Their Impact on the Independence of the Three Authorities
Ayman Hayajneh, Political Science Department, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan.
Abstract
This study examines the constitutional amendments which took place in the Jordanian Constitution between 2011 and 2016 and their impact on the independence of the three authorities (legislative, executive, judicial). Based on organizational and administrative, functional and financial criteria, the study analyzes the articles of the Jordanian Constitution of 1952 and shows how the recent amendments influenced the principle of separation and balance of powers, either positively or negatively. The study is based on the hypothesis that "the greater independence of the three authorities - according to the criteria mentioned before that were applied on the constitution - the greater promotion of the principle of separation and balance of powers. The study uses both comparative and functional approaches to determine the effect of the constitutional amendments on the principle of separation and balance of powers and the change of their function before and after these amendments.
Finally, the study reaches to the conclusion that "the Jordanian Constitution has become more flexible and dynamic and able to respond to the interim and future requirements, while the recent amendments have strengthened the principle of separation between the three authorities as long as the balance of powers.