The High Court was in charge of hearing cases related to high treason committed by government officials. The highest judicial authorities in Tunisia under this Constitution were the High Court and the Constitutional Council. Ordinary laws were passed by a simple majority of the two houses, but were promulgated by the President. Together, the two houses could, by an absolute majority, authorize the President to issue decrees and pass organic laws as specified in the Constitution. Half of the Advisors were elected from the regional and local level, one third were elected at the national level from among employers, farmers, and workers, and the remaining Advisors were appointed by the President from important national figures. Deputies were elected by direct vote to a five year term. The legislature comprised a Chamber of Deputies and the Chamber of Advisors which was created by constitutional amendment in 2002. The Prime Minister was appointed by the President, while the other members of the Cabinet were appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. The Constitution vested executive powers in a President elected by a direct vote for a five year term, and assisted by a Prime Minister and a Cabinet. The document-amended in 1988, 20-also stressed the influence of Islam, placing Tunisia within the Great Arab Community and stating that that Arabic is the national language. To achieve this, the drafters changed the Constitution of the Fourth French Republic, at the time in force in Tunisia, and reinforced executive powers. The Constitutional Assembly drafted the 1959 Tunisian constitution in order to reinforce the rule of Habib Bourguiba, the nationalist leader who led Tunisia to independence. Tunisia became a French protectorate in 1881 and remained under French rule until March 1956 when it gained independence, followed by the promulgation of a new constitution on 1 June 1959. This constitution weakened the Tunisian ruler in favour of European migrants who were given property rights and guaranteed equal protection of Tunisian law. However, this document was replaced in 1861 with a new constitution when Muhammad as-Sadiq succeeded Mohamed Bey as the Tunisian leader. The Fundamental Pact proclaimed rules governing relations between the government, the people, and foreigners in an effort to solidify his rule and placate the European powers. Tunisia’s first constitutional charter can be traced back to the Fundamental Pact (1857) established by Mohamed Bey (1855-1859), following the decline of Ottoman rule over the territory in the early 19th century.
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