Constitution of the Dominican Republic
[3] A large number of constitutions do, however, reflect a fundamental lack of consensus on the rules that should govern the national political life.Most Dominican governments felt compelled upon taking office to write new constitutions that changed the rules to fit their own wishes.Constitutionalism—loyalty to a stable set of governing principles and laws rather than to the person who promulgates them—became a matter of overriding importance in the Dominican Republic only after the death of Rafael Trujillo.[3] Dominicans historically had agreed that government should be representative and vaguely democratic, that there should be civil and political rights, separation of powers, and checks and balances.The constitution has faced notable criticism, both abroad and at home, with opponents referring to it as an "injustice" and as a "step backward" for ensuring human rights in the country, especially towards women and homosexuals.[citation needed] As a result, the Dominican Republic has become the fifth jurisdiction in the world with a complete (no exceptions) ban on abortion (Malta, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Vatican City).