Hear ye! Hear ye! A new constitution is ready to be written! In 1964, the Kingdom of Afghanistan was undergoing a crucial historically significant transformation into a constitutional monarchy. Transforming the political climate of Afghanistan, this constitution aimed to break the traditional monarchal grip on power and share power with parliament and the people. Despite the overwhelming joy felt for this “Constitutional Decade,” Afghanistan of the 1960s still faced incredible challenges including urban vs. rural divide, the role of religion in governance, and the foreign influence of the United States and USSR during the height of the Cold War. 

Topic 1: Creating A New Government

While there is consensus that Afghanistan should become a constitutional monarchy, it is unclear what form this government should take; especially in how the common people should be represented. Additionally, this committee will have to decide the extent of monarchical power and the degree of the separation of powers and rule of law.

Topic Two: Protecting Civil Liberties

Paramount to the Afghan people’s concern are the implementation and protection of civil liberties including women’s suffrage, freedom of speech, press, and peaceful assembly. However, this committee will have to decide what are the best measures to ensure how these rights are protected especially in rural and tribal areas, and among minorities within Afghanistan.