Constitution of Ukraine

Ukraine’s supreme law, adopted in 1996, that establishes the state’s institutions, rights and freedoms, territorial structure, and Crimea’s status as an autonomous republic.

Constitutional supremacy: The principle that a constitution has higher legal authority than ordinary laws and government actions. Article 8 makes the Constitution of Ukraine the country’s supreme law.
Constitutional amendment: A formal change to a constitution made through a prescribed legal procedure. Ukraine requires special parliamentary procedures, and some amendments also require a referendum.
Ukrainian independence referendum: The December 1, 1991 vote in which Ukrainian voters approved independence from the Soviet Union. The vote confirmed the independent state whose constitutional order was later codified.
Autonomous Republic of Crimea: An autonomous republic within Ukraine, constitutionally recognized as part of its unitary state. The Constitution defines Crimea’s status and establishes its autonomous institutions within Ukraine.
Separation of powers: The division of government authority among legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The constitution assigns distinct powers to parliament, the president, and courts.
Constitutional review: The examination of laws or government acts for compliance with a constitution. The Constitutional Court can invalidate acts that conflict with Ukraine’s constitution.
Declaration of Independence of Ukraine: The 1991 act by which Ukraine declared itself an independent state. Its commitment to sovereignty preceded and informed the 1996 constitutional settlement.
Constitution of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea: The basic law governing the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, subject to Ukraine’s Constitution and laws. Ukraine’s Constitution requires Crimea’s local constitution to conform to national law.
Verkhovna Rada: Ukraine’s unicameral parliament, elected to exercise legislative authority. The constitution establishes the Verkhovna Rada as Ukraine’s sole legislative body.
Constitutional complaint: A procedure allowing an individual to challenge a law applied in a final court decision as unconstitutional. Ukraine’s constitutional complaint gives individuals a route to challenge the law underlying a final judgment.

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