The constitution, in its present form, was made on 5 November 2008 by Queen Elizabeth II in a meeting of the Privy Council at Buckingham Palace.
[3] The first chapter of the Constitution, which is made up of sections 1-22, lays out the fundamental rights and freedoms of those in the Falkland Islands.
The second chapter, which is made up of sections 23-25, states that there shall be a Governor of the Falkland Islands and describes the appointment process for that office.
The chapter also sets out how the duties and powers of the Governor are determined, making reference to the role of the Queen through her Secretary of State.
Section 24 of the chapter describes the times when an Acting Governor is required and the appointment process for that position.
Sections 25 describes the Governor's role in the defence and internal security of the Falklands, giving him or her great authority in such matters (excluding issues relating to policing) on the advice of the Commander of the British Forces.
Section 35 gives the Governor the power to recall the Legislative Assembly after its dissolution, but only in the case of an emergency.
Section 36 sets out the procedure for resolving any dispute over elections, or membership of the Legislative Assembly, with the Supreme Court of the Falkland Islands having the last word on such issues.
The Commander of the British Forces and the Attorney General, are only required to take the oath of allegiance before participating in proceedings of the Legislative Assembly.
The chapter states that executive authority in the Falkland Islands is vested in the King and is exercised on his behalf by the governor.
The sixth chapter, which is made up of sections 74-81, describes the powers of the Government of the Falkland Islands over the public finances.
The seventh chapter, which is made up of sections 82-85, states that there shall be a Chief Executive of the Falkland Islands and describes the appointment process for that office.
Section 86 creates the Supreme Court of the Falkland Islands and gives it unlimited jurisdiction to hear and determine any civil or criminal proceedings.
The ninth chapter, which is made up of sections 95 and 96, lays out the procedure appointment of a Complaints Commissioner and describes its process and function.
The tenth and final chapter, which is made up of sections 97-100, describes the Public Seal as well as the procedure for reappointments, concurrent appointments and resignations of any office or post established by the constitution.
Jorge Taiana, the Foreign Minister of Argentina, described the constitution as a "violation of Argentine sovereignty and international law", saying that "the sole objective being pursued by the United Kingdom in approving what it calls reforms is to perpetuate an anachronistic colonial situation.