Text b constitution of ukraine

The Constitution of Ukraine was proclaimed and confirmed* on June 28, 1996 by the Verkhovna Rada. According to it Ukraine is the sovereign, independent, democratic and legal state. Ukraine is an unitarian state with single citizenship*.

The land, air space, mineral resources, water and other resources are objects of the property of the Ukrainian people. Ukraine is a republic. The people are the only source of power, which is exercised* directly and through the bodies of state power and local self-governments. The Constitution of Ukraine establishes the country’s political system, freedoms and duties of citizens and is the basis for its laws.

According to the Constitution every person has the right to the free development of his or her personality, and has obligations before society.

The Constitution guarantees the rights to life, non-interference in private and family life, personal inviolability and the inviolability of dwelling, free choice of residence, work, rest, education, social security, housing, health protection, medical care and medical insurance, a safe and healthy environment. In Ukraine there are no privileges or restrictions* based upon face, colour of skin, political and other beliefs, gender*, ethnic and social origin*, property*, ownership*, position*, place of residence, language, religion.

Citizens have equal* constitutional rights and freedoms and are equal before law. Citizens of Ukraine perform military services in compliance* with the law.

Defense of the Motherland, the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and respect for the state symbols are the duties of citizens. Every person must pay taxes in the order and amount determined* by law. No person may damage the environment and cultural heritage.

to confirm – затверджувати, схвалювати

single citizenship – єдине громадянство

to exercise – здійснювати

restriction – обмеження

gender – стать

origin – походження

property – майно

ownership – власність

position – посада

equal – рівний

in compliance – у відповідності

to determine – встановлювати

Exercise 5 Find the English equivalents of the following words and word-combinations in text B. Learn them by heart:

1. Правова держава.

2. Джерело влади.

3. Місцеве самоврядування.

4. Права, обов’язки та зобов’язання.

5. Суспільство.

6. Невтручання.

7. Недоторканість.

8. Особисте життя.

9. Суспільна захищеність.

10. Медичне обслуговування.

11. Страхування.

12. Довкілля.

13. Рівний.

14. Податки.

15. Культурний спадок.

Exercise 6 Read the text again and say, whether the statements are true or false. Translate them. Correct the false statements.

1 All mineral and natural resources belong to the Verkhovna Rada.

2 Local self-government is the only source of power in our country.

3 All citizens of Ukraine perform military services in compliance with the law.

4 The Constitution guarantees only the rights of Ukrainian citizens.

5 There are some restrictions in rights based upon colour of skin.

6 The Constitution establishes privileges for some groups of population.

Exercise 7 Use the words from the box to complete the sentences and translate them.

rights sovereign preamble obligations laws

1 The Constitution of Ukraine consists of the __________, 15 chapters and 161 articles.

2 The constitution guarantees the citizens the basic civil and political __________.

3 Ukraine is a __________ and independent, democratic, social, legal state.

4 The Constitutional Court resolves issues on constitutionality of __________.

5 Chapter II of the Constitution of Ukraine determines the rights and _________ of the citizens of Ukraine

Exercise 8 Complete and translate the sentences. Consult the Constitution of Ukraine if you need.

1 Article 29. Every person has right to freedom and personal ___________.

2 Article 43 assures the right to _______________.

3 Article 48 assures the right to sufficient living ____________.

4 Article53 assures the right to _____________.

5 Article 68 determines the duty of every person to observe the _________ and laws of Ukraine.

Exercise 9 Match the English words with their Russian / Ukrainian equivalents. Learn them by heart:

1) anthem; a) стяг, прапор;

2) to adopt; b) сміливість, хоробрість;

3) stripes; c) свобода;

4) banner; d) віршований текст;

5) trident; e) додавати;

6) seal; f) гімн;

7) lyrics; g) справедливість;

8) courage; h) символізувати;

9) justice; i) приєднуватися;

10) liberty; j) печатка;

11) to join; k) герб;

12) to add; l) смуги;

13) to stand for; m) приймати;

14) coat of arms; n) тризуб.

Exercise 10 Read the text and do the exercises given after it.