National government

Ukraine is an independent state since adoption of the Declaration on State Sovereignty of Ukraine on July 16, 1990. In accordance with the Constitution of Ukraine adopted on June 28, 1996 Ukraine has a democratic political system. The country's government features an executive branch headed by the President with strong powers, a legislative branch consisting of a national parliament and the judicial, which is headed by the Supreme Court.

The President is commander in chief of the military and can issue orders called edicts without the approval of parliament in some matters. The people of Ukraine elect the President to a five-year term. Ukrainians 18 years old or elder may vote.

The President is assisted by a Cabinet, which the president appoints. A Prime Minister heads the Cabinet. Other ministers have responsibility for such areas as foreign affairs and the economy. A council called the State Duma provides advice to the president regarding science and technology, law. humanitarian matters, and the economy.

Ukraine's parliament, called the Supreme Council, is the nation's lawmaking body. It has 450 members, who are elected by the voters. Supreme Council members serve five-year terms. The Supreme Council discusses and adopts the State Budget for the coming year.

The Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court represent the judicial power. The\ watch over the executive and legislative powers. They are nominated by the Supreme Council. The Constitutional Court has the right to declare laws and actions of the national and local governments unconstitutional.

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_________.

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