Ukraine’s Constitution

The Constitution of Ukraine outlines the fundamental principles, rights, and responsibilities of the Ukrainian state, its institutions, and its citizens.

Overview

Constitution 1710

The Pylyp Orlyk Constitution, also known as the Constitution of Pylyp Orlyk, was indeed the first known constitution of Ukraine. It was enacted in 1710 by Pylyp Orlyk, a Hetman of the Zaporizzhian Host, during a period of Ukrainian independence known as the Hetmanate.

The Constitution was a significant milestone in Ukrainian history as it aimed to establish a legal framework and define the rights and obligations of the Hetmanate's citizens. The Pylyp Orlyk Constitution granted certain political and individual rights, including religious freedoms, and established a separation of powers within the Hetmanate. It is considered one of the earliest examples of a written constitution in Europe.

Constitution 1996

The Constitution of Ukraine serves as the supreme law of the country. It was adopted on June 28, 1996, following Ukraine's Declaration of independence in 1991. The Constitution outlines the fundamental principles, rights, and responsibilities of the Ukrainian state, its institutions, and its citizens.

Key Features and Provisions:

  • Preamble: The Constitution begins with a preamble that affirms the Ukrainian people's commitment to building a democratic and law-governed state, ensuring human rights and freedoms, and establishing social justice.

  • Basic Principles: The Constitution enshrines the principles of the rule of law, democracy, and the separation of powers. It declares Ukraine as a unitary, indivisible, and democratic state.

  • Human Rights: The Constitution guarantees a wide range of individual and collective rights and freedoms, including the right to life, liberty, and security; freedom of speech, expression, and assembly; protection against torture and inhuman treatment; and the right to a fair trial. It also emphasizes equality before the law and prohibits discrimination.

  • Branches of Government: The Constitution establishes a system of government with three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial.

  • Legislative Branch: The Parliament, known as the Verkhovna Rada, is responsible for enacting laws, adopting the state budget, and overseeing the executive branch's activities.

  • Executive Branch: The President is the head of state and serves as the guarantor of Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and compliance with the Constitution. The Cabinet of Ministers, led by the Prime Minister, is responsible for implementing state policies and managing government affairs.

  • Judicial Branch: The Constitution emphasizes the independence of the judiciary. It establishes a system of courts that administer justice and safeguard constitutional rights. The Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in Ukraine.

  • Local Self-Government: The Constitution recognizes the importance of local self-government and provides for the establishment of local councils and executive bodies to address local issues and ensure public participation in decision-making.

  • Constitutional Amendments: The Constitution can be amended through a specific procedure requiring approval by a two-thirds majority of the Verkhovna Rada and, in some cases, a national referendum.

The Constitution of Ukraine serves as the foundation for the country's legal system and governance. It reflects the aspirations of the Ukrainian people for a democratic and rights-based society, while providing a framework for the functioning of the state and its institutions.