Constitution of Ukraine

The political system of Ukraine, its laws, its home and foreign policy, the rights and duties of its citizens are established, based and guaranteed by the Constitution. There have been several previous constitutional documents in the history of Ukraine (1710, 1918, 1919, 1929. 1937, 1978). The new Constitution of Ukraine as an independent, sovereign, democratic, social and legal state was adopted by the Verkhovna Rada on June 28,1996 as the Fundamental Law of the country.

The main points of the 1996 Constitution are:

• The land, air space, water, mineral and other natural resources are the property of Ukrainian people.

• The state language of Ukraine is Ukrainian.

• The state symbols are the State Flag, the State Emblem and the State Anthem.

The capital of Ukraine is Kyiv.

Every person has the right to free development of his/her personality as long as there are no violations of the rights and freedoms of other individuals.

All citizens have equal Constitutional rights and freedoms and are equal before the law.

There are no privileges or restrictions based upon race, colour of skin, political and other beliefs, gender, ethnic and social origin, property, position, ownership, place of residence, language or religion.

Citizens of Ukraine have the right to freedom of thought and speech, free expression of views and beliefs, of conscience and religion.

The Church and religious organizations are separated from the state, and schools are separated from the Church.

Citizens of Ukraine are guaranteed the rights to life, personal inviolability, non-interference in private and family life, free choice of residence, work, rest, education, social security, housing and health protection, medical care and insurance, and legal assistance.

The right of private property is inviolable.

Defence of the Motherland, its independence and territorial integrity, respect to the State Symbols are the duty of Ukrainian citizens.

Citizens who have reached the age of 18 have the right to vote and are guaranteed free expression of their vote

The parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, is the only body of legislative power in Ukraine.

The President of Ukraine is the head of the state and speaks on behalf of it.

The highest body of the executive power is the Cabinet of Ministers, which is responsible to the President and accountable to the Verkhovna Rada. The Cabinet of Ministers resigns when a new president is elected.

Justice in Ukraine is exercised entirely by courts, and administered by the Constitutional Court and courts of general jurisdiction. The Supreme Court is the highest juridical body of general jurisdiction.

The territorial structure of Ukraine is composed of the Autonomous Republic of the Crimea, 24 regions (oblasts), cities, districts, towns, settlements and villages. Kyiv and Sevastopol have a special status.

The Constitution of Ukraine consists of 15 chapters and 161 articles.

The day of its adoption is a state holiday - the Day of the Constitution of Ukraine.

Read the following statements and decide if they are true or false:

1 • There have been more than six constitutions in the history of Ukraine.

2. The Constitution establishes the country's political system.

3. All mineral and natural resources belong to the Verkhovna Rada.

1. The Constitution guarantees freedom of thought and speech.

2. The Constitution establishes privileges for some groups of population.

3. It specifies the powers and obligations of the president.

4. The highest body of the executive power is the Verkhovna Rada.

5. The Cabinet of Ministers is a lawmaking body.

6. The Constitutional Court is the highest juridical body.

7. The Constitution was adopted on August 24, 1991.

Speak on the following:

1.Нow often are general elections are held in Ukraine?

2.How many ex-presidents or prime ministers of your country can you name?

3. Who is the current foreign minister in your country?

4. How many other ministers can you name?

5. At the moment, is you country generally considered to be experiencing an economic boom or economic recession?

6. Name two important policies of the current government of your country.

7. What do you think of the following statement, «The average politician is corrupt and only out for himself or herself»?

8. Would you take part in a political demonstration, strike or protest march if you felt strongly enough about the issue?