Constitution
The Isle of Man does not have a written constitution but a general objective aimed at complete self-government and autonomy in its internal affairs. This is based on the Island's ancient National Assembly, the
Tynwald, whose original principle declares that 'King, Deemsters, Keys and Folk must meet annually... to give effect to law by hearing it promulgated'. The term Tynwald is derived from the Norse 'Thingvollr' which means Parliament Field. On the the 5th of July every year, the parliamentary body gathers for an open-air sitting on the ancient mound at Tynwald Hill in St Johns for new laws to be read aloud in front of government and the public. The laws are read in Manx and English by the First DEEMSTER (a Manx legal term for 'judge') and members of the public are allowed to present petitions for the redress of grievance.
Tynwald Day is also the Manx national holiday and alongside the pageantry and formal ceremony there is a fair field and displays of traditional music and dancing.