“ The Constitution Day of Ukraine, traditionally celebrated on June 28, is one of the most important dates in the calendar of modern Ukraine. It is not just a public holiday, but a deep reminder of the fundamental principles that formed our statehood after gaining independence. In 2025, the Day of the Constitution of Ukraine on June 28 falls on Saturday. On this day we honor the adoption of the Basic Law”, – WRITE ON: ua.news
The Constitution Day of Ukraine, traditionally celebrated on June 28, is one of the most important dates in the calendar of modern Ukraine. It is not just a public holiday, but a deep reminder of the fundamental principles that formed our statehood after gaining independence. In 2025, the Day of the Constitution of Ukraine on June 28 falls on Saturday.
On this day, we honor the adoption of the Basic Law of 1996, which defined Ukraine as a sovereign, independent, democratic, social and rule of law, laying the foundation for the development of a free society and the protection of the rights and freedoms of every citizen. This day is the embodiment of the desire of the Ukrainian people for self -determination, democracy and the rule of law. To better understand the meaning of this holiday, let’s look at its history and key aspects of the Basic Law.
When began to celebrate the day of the Constitution of Ukraine
The Constitution Day of Ukraine was officially celebrated since 1996, immediately after its adoption. The Law of Ukraine “On Adoption of the Constitution of Ukraine and its Implementation”, which was approved by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on June 28, 1996, in paragraph 10 stated: “The Day of Adoption of the Constitution of Ukraine is a national holiday – the Day of the Constitution of Ukraine”. Thus, the holiday was introduced simultaneously with the most basic law. In 2025, the Basic Law of Ukraine will be 29 years old.
When the Constitution of Ukraine was founded
The establishment of the Constitution of Ukraine as a permanent, basic law of the state concerns the moment of its adoption by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Thus, the modern Constitution of Ukraine was founded, that is, admitted and put into effect on June 28, 1996.
However, the constitutional process in Ukraine has a long history. The beginnings of Ukrainian constitutional thought date back to the time of Philip Orlik’s constitution in 1710, which is considered one of the first democratic constitutions of Europe. This document, known as the “Covenants and Constitutions of the Rights and Liberties of the Zaporozhian Army”, laid the foundations for the division of powers, defined the rights and responsibilities of the hetman, the elders and the Cossacks, limiting the power of the ruler.
Photo: What was the first constitution of Ukraine Philip Orlyk
In the twentieth century, there were also attempts to create constitutional acts during the Ukrainian People’s Republic and other state entities, which testifies to the continuous desire of the Ukrainian people for self -determination and legal regulation of life. The Constitution of the Ukrainian People’s Republic, officially known as the statute of state system, rights and freedoms of the UNR, is a key, although little known, a document in the history of Ukrainian state formation. This basic law of the UNR was adopted by the Central Council on April 29, 1918 – on the last day of the Central Rada before the arrival of Hetman Pavel Skoropadsky.
Photo: UNR Constitution
However, the 1996 Constitution was the first full -fledged constitution of an independent Ukraine, which meets modern democratic standards and laid a solid foundation for its development as a sovereign European state. It became the main regulator of all spheres of public life, determining the structure of power, rights and freedoms of citizens.
What is the date of adoption of the Constitution of Ukraine
The only and official date of adoption of the Constitution of Ukraine is June 28, 1996 . On this day, after almost a day of continuous work, the People’s Deputies of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted the Basic Law, which became a significant event for the formation of a young Ukrainian state.
The adoption of the Constitution was the logical completion of the state formation process after the declaration of independence in 1991. It has enshrined Ukraine as a sovereign, democratic, social and legal state, defining the key rights and freedoms of the individual and the citizen, as well as the principles of organization of state power. Since 1996, June 28 has been officially celebrated as the Constitution Day of Ukraine, emphasizing the historical significance of this event for the Ukrainian people.
Structure of the Constitution of Ukraine
The Constitution of Ukraine is a logically constructed document consisting of a preamble and 15 sections. It covers all key aspects of the functioning of the state and the relationship between the state and the citizen.
The main elements of the structure of the Constitution of Ukraine:
Preamble: The introductory part that proclaims the main principles, the purpose of the Constitution approval and determines its importance for the Ukrainian people.
Section I. General principles: defines Ukraine’s sovereignty, its state system (republic), territorial integrity, state symbols, language, capital.
Section II. The rights, freedoms and responsibilities of the individual and the citizen: the most voluminous section, which enshrines a wide range of rights (personal, political, socio-economic, cultural) and freedoms, as well as the responsibilities of citizens.
Section III. Election. Referendum: regulates the procedure for holding elections to public authorities and local self -government, as well as a referendum institute.
Section IV. The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine: determines the status, powers, procedure for the formation and activity of the Parliament of Ukraine.
Section V. President of Ukraine: establishes the status, powers, the procedure for election and termination of powers of the Head of State.
Section VI. Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. Other executive bodies: regulates the activities of the higher body in the system of executive bodies and other central bodies.
Section VII. The prosecutor’s office: defines the functions and principles of the prosecutor’s office.
Section VIII. Justice: regulates the judicial system of Ukraine, principles of justice, the status of judges.
Section IX. Territorial structure of Ukraine: establishes the administrative-territorial division of Ukraine.
Section X. The Autonomous Republic of Crimea: determines the status and powers of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.
Section XI. Local self -government: regulates the principles and procedure of local self -government.
Section XII. The Constitutional Court of Ukraine: determines the status, powers and procedure of the body of constitutional jurisdiction.
Section XIII. Amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine: establishes a complex procedure for amending the Basic Law, which ensures its stability.
Section XIV. Final provisions: contains transitional norms and provisions on the entry into force of the Constitution.
Section XV. Transitional Provisions: contains temporary rules that were in force after the Constitution was approved to complete settlement of certain relationships. Pursuant to paragraph I of Section XV, the transitional provisions of the Constitution of Ukraine, laws and other normative acts adopted before the Constitution of Ukraine should be entrusted with the Constitution of Ukraine, and therefore may be checked are in the subject of their constitutionality.
Each of these sections details relevant spheres of state and public life, ensuring the integrity and systematicity of Ukrainian legislation. Understanding the structure of the constitution allows you to better understand its logic and importance for the functioning of a democratic state.
Why the Constitution is the basic law of the state
The constitution is the basic law of the state because of its highest legal force: all other laws and acts cannot contradict it. It has a direct effect, allowing citizens to refer to it to protect their rights.
This document establishes fundamental rights and freedoms, defines the state system and form of government, and clearly distributes power into legislative, executive and judicial branches.
The special procedure for adoption and change of the Constitution guarantees its stability. It is a source of legitimacy for all state bodies, being not just a collection of laws, but a social treaty that is the foundation of law and order and democracy.
