The preamble traced Ethiopia's origins back to antiquity, proclaimed the historical heroism of its people, praised the country's substantial natural and human resources, and pledged to continue the struggle against imperialism, poverty, and hunger.

[2] The constitution attempted to situate Ethiopia in the context of the worldwide movement of "progressive states" and made no direct reference to Africa.

It was reported that the problem of nationalities was hotly debated in the Constitutional Commission, as well as in the WPE Central Committee, but the regime would not abandon its desire to create a single multiethnic state rather than a federation.

When the Shengo was not in session (in practice, for most of the year), the Council of State had the power to act for the legislature and issue "special decrees" in lieu of law.

As was the case with other Communist legislatures, the National Shengo was nominally vested with great lawmaking powers, but the principles of democratic centralism reduced it to merely a rubber stamp for decisions already made by the WPE and its Politburo.

As had been the case during the Derg era, arbitrary arrests, torture, and execution ran rampant, and sEthiopia ranked at or near the bottom of most measures of human rights and civil liberties.

[2] The Constitutional Commission had its origins in the Institute for the Study of Ethiopian Nationalities, which the Provisional Military Administrative Council (better known as the Derg) had established in March 1983 to find solutions to problems resulting from Ethiopia's vast ethnic diversity.

Where popular interest was apparent, it centered on issues such as taxes, the role of religion, marriage, the organization of elections, and citizenship rights and obligations.

Although this was the first election in Ethiopia's history based on universal suffrage, the presence of WPE cadres throughout the country ensured that the constitution would be adopted.

[2] Although the constitution officially took effect on the same day the PDRE was proclaimed 22 February 1987, it was not until that September the new government was fully in place and the Derg formally abolished.