Political System of Ukraine

Ukraine is a sovereign state. It has its own territory, higher and local bodies of state power, government, national emblem, state flag and anthem.

In July, 1990, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Parliament, adopted the document of great importance – the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine. This document opened a new page in Ukraine's history, which leads to the construction of a democratic state based on the rule of law.

According to the Declaration only the Verkhovna Rada can speak on behalf of the whole Ukrainian people. No political party, public organization or separate person has the right to do this. The Declaration reads that Ukraine ensures supremacy of its Constitution on the territory of the country.

The way Ukraine passed from the adoption of the Declaration of the State Sovereignty to the adoption of its Constitution is slow and complicated. It is easily explained by the large-scale transformations in political and economic life.

In July, 1996, the Verkhovna Rada adopted the new Constitution of Ukraine. According to it Ukraine is a parliamentary republic with the presidential governing.

The higher body of state power is the Verkhovna Rada. It is one chamber parliament, which is presided over by the Speaker. The functions of the Verkhovna Rada are legislation and scrutiny of government activities. The Ukrainian government is headed by the Prime-Minister. The elections of the deputies to the parliament are held every four years. They are by secret ballot. All citizens aged 18 have the right to vote.

The President is elected every five years. He is the Head of State. He cannot be elected for more than two terms.

The Constitution of Ukraine is the main law in the country. It guarantees certain rights and freedoms to the Ukrainian citizens and determines their duties.

The process of creating new democratic state is complicated. But over a short period a new system of state administration, the National Armed Forces, the Security Service, law enforcement authorities were created. Independent Ukraine is unswerving on its way to a democracy.