Oldest current running form of government (WW2, Britain, Japanese, country)

[JBMallory]

So give it to me, historians, as i am FAR too lazy to do all the research myself.

What country has the longest running current form of government?
List say the top 10, if you would.

[kevxu]

1. Japanese monarchy

[Dd714]

But Japan turned into a consitutional monarcy (parliament system) after WW2, a significant change.
I think the oldest unchanged form of government (constitutional republic) is actually the U.S.

[JBMallory]

that's what I was assuming..

things go in cycles, anyone?

[Fred314X]

Iceland's government dates back to the 10th century. I believe that predates Japan's.

[texdav]

maybe Afganistan, From what I understand there never has been a controlling central government;the tribal system has always been in effect.

[Dd714]

Originally Posted by Fred314X

Iceland's government dates back to the 10th century. I believe that predates Japan's.

Huh? - Iceland was interchangeably a norwegian or danish province up until after WW1 (and became once again a province during WW2).

[djmilf]

Colin Powell, when he was the U.S. Secretary of State, once claimed that the United States had the oldest current form of government, due to it's constitution being ratified in 1789 and continuously in effect since that time.

San Marino's current constitution was ratified in 1600. However, there were several instances where foreign invaders occupied the tiny country and imposed different forms of government. These occupations were always short-lived and San Marino would revert back to it's republican constitution once it's independence was regained.

[jtur88]

Just because a counry changes its Constitution does not mean that it's "form of government" has changed, nor would it necessarily represent a discontinuity of goverhment.

Britain's government has run essentially unchanged since the 1706 act that created Parliament, which has worked ever since hand in hand in hand with the crown.

[PA2UK]

Vatican City?