The Constitution of Ukraine

The adoption of a new constitution of Ukraine on the 28th of June 1996 became an important event in the life of the people of Ukraine. Our country has long-standing constitutional traditions. The first Constitution of Ukraine was written by hetman Philip Orlyk in 1710. Being the first constitution in Europe it was notable for its profound democracy. The experience of Ukrainian People’s Republic (1918) played a significant role in the constitutional process. The Constitution of the Ukrainian People’s Republic approved by the Centralna Rada was the embodiment of the statehood principles of Ukraine.

On the 24th of October 1990 the constitutional commission was appointed by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. The draft constitution was written during the first stage of its preparation (1990-1993). It was logically and juridically completed during the second stage (1994-1996). The draft constitution was published and went through nation-wide discussion. On the 28th of June 1996 the Constitution was confirmed by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Principles of democracy common to all mankind are embodied in the Constitution. The basic economic, social, cultural, public and political rights are guaranteed by the Constitution.

Here are some articles of the Constitution:

Article 1

Ukraine is a sovereign and independent, democratic, social, law-based state.

Article 3

The human being, his or her life and health, honour and dignity, inviolability and security are recognised in Ukraine as the highest social value.

Human rights and freedoms and their guarantees determine the essence and orientation of the activity of the State. The State is answerable to the individual for its activity. To affirm and ensure human rights and freedoms is the main duty of the State.

Article 5

Ukraine is a republic.

The people are the bearers of sovereignty and the only source of power in Ukraine…

Article 6

State power in Ukraine is exercised on the principles of its division into legislative, executive and judicial power.

Article 8

In Ukraine, the principle of the rule of law is recognised and effective.

The Constitution of Ukraine has the highest legal force. Laws and other normative legal acts are adopted on the basis of the Constitution of Ukraine and shall conform to it…

Article 17

To protect the sovereignty and territorial indivisibility of Ukraine, and to ensure its economic and informational security are the most important functions of the State and a matter of concern for all the Ukrainian people.

The defence of Ukraine and the protection of its sovereignty, territorial indivisibility and inviolability, are entrusted to the Armed Forces of Ukraine…