the draft among the civil service and local governments in order to receive locals' feedback. Provisions of the Constitution of Bhutan The provisions of the Constitution of Bhutan appear below, grouped into thematic order for the convenience of the reader. Basic provisions The Constitution defines the Kingdom of Bhutan as a democratic constitutional monarchy belonging to the people of the Kingdom. The territory of Bhutan is divided into 20 Dzongkhags (Districts) with each consisting of Gewogs (Counties) and Thromdes (Municipalities). Dzongkha is the national language of Bhutan, and the National Day of Bhutan is December 17. The Constitution is the supreme law of the State and affirms the authority of legal precedent: All laws in force in the territory of Bhutan at the time of adopting this Constitution continues until altered, repealed or amended by Parliament. However, the provisions of any law, whether made before or after the coming into force of this Constitution, which are inconsistent with this Constitution, shall be null and void. The Supreme Court of Bhutan is the guardian of the Constitution and the final authority on its interpretation. Rights over natural resources vest in the State and are thus properties of the State and regulated by law. Throughout the Constitution, retirement is mandated for most civil servants upon reaching age 65. Notably, this includes the reigning King whenever possible. The monarchy and the royal family The Constitution confirms the institution of monarchy. The Druk Gyalpo (King of Bhutan) is the Head of State and the symbol of unity of the Kingdom and of the people of Bhutan. The Constitution establishes the "Chhoe-sid-nyi" (dual system of religion and politics) of Bhutan as unified in the person of the King who, as a Buddhist, is the upholder of the Chhoe-sid (religion and politics; temporal and secular). In addition, the King is the protector of all religions in Bhutan. The King is also the Supreme Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces and the Militia of Bhutan. The King is not answerable in a court of law for his actions, and his person is sacrosanct. However, the King is mandated to protect and uphold the Constitution "in the best interest and for the welfare of the people of Bhutan." Furthermore, there are Constitutional provisions for involuntary abdication in the event the King violates the Constitution. The Constitution entitles the King and the royal family to annuities from the