"The Socialist Constitution of the Democratic People's Republicof Korea is the constitution of the Democratic People's Republic ofKorea (DPRK), commonly known as North Korea.
Previous constitutions were adopted in 1948, 1972, 1992, and 1998.The constitution currently in force dates from April 2009 and laysout the framework of the national government and the functions ofthe ruling state party, the Workers' Party of Korea in relation tothe government's operations. The constitution is divided into 166articles, split between three sections.
The constitution establishes North Korea's official name and itsstatus as a socialist state. Article 12 defines the country as a"dictatorship of people's democracy" (a wording that closelyfollows the Chinese model of the people's democratic dictatorship)under the leadership of the Workers' Party. It provides for civiland political rights, such as freedom of expression, the right toelect officials, the right to a fair trial, and freedom ofreligion. It asserts the right of every citizen to work, education,food, and health care. However, Article 81 requires that all NorthKoreans "firmly safeguard the political and ideological unity andsolidarity of the people," and Article requires that citizensobserve "the socialist standards of life.""