Local government

Ukraine, excluding Crimea, is divided into 24 regions called oblasts. Crimea has special status as an autonomous /self-governing/ republic. Crimea has greater control over the internal affairs than do the oblasts. The Crimean Autonomous republic has its own constitution.

Politics

The most important political organization in Ukraine is a broad movement known as Rukh. It was established in 1989 and includes various political parties, groups, and individual citizens. It has strongly supported democracy for Ukraine.

Ukraine has about 10 registered political parties. The Green Party promotes environmental issues. The Ukrainian Republican Party favours free enterprises. The Democratic Party of Ukraine supports democratic political development. The Christian Democratic Party promotes religious issues. The Peasant-Democratic Party represents agricultural concerns. The Socialist Party stands for Socialist orientation.

Armed forces

Ukraine has an army, air force, and a small navy. December 6 is the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Vocabulary

1. Use the words from the box to complete the sentences:

legislative

executive

Cabinet

judicial

State Budget

l. An ______ branch is headed by the President.

2. The national parliament is a __________ branch of power.

3. The Supreme Court heads __________ power.

4. The President appoints a ________ .

5. The Supreme Council discusses and adopts the_________ .

COMPREHENSION

2. Complete the sentences:

1. The executive branchof power is headed by ___________________

2. The legislative power belongs to _________________________

3. The judicial power is headed by __________________________

4. The Supreme Councilis the nation's __________________________

5. Ukraine isdivided into twenty-four _____________________________

3. Translate the sentences into your language:

1. The Green Party promotes environmental issues.__________________

2. The Ukrainian Republican Party favours free enterprises.___________

3. The Democratic Party of Ukraine supports democratic political development.________

4. The Christian Democratic Party promotes religious issues.__________

5. The Peasant-Democratic Party represents agricultural concerns._______

6. The Socialist Party stands for Socialist orientation.________________

DISCUSSION

3. Answer the questions:

1. When was the Constitution of Ukraine adopted?

2. Who appoints the Cabinet?

3. Who represents the judicial power?

5. How many administrative regions are there in Ukraine?

6. What are the main political parties in Ukraine?

7. What does the Green Party promote?

8. What .does the Ukrainian Republican Party favour?

9. What does the Democratic Party of Ukraine support?

10. What does the Christian Democratic Party promote?

11. What does the Peasant-Democratic Party represent?

12. What does the Socialist Party stand for?