The adoption of a new constitution of Ukraine on the 28th of June, 1996, became an important event in the life of the people of Ukraine. Our country has long-standing constitutional traditions. The first Constitution of Ukraine was written by hetman Pylyp Orlyk in 1710. Being the first constitution in Europe, it was notable for its profound democracy. The experience of the Ukrainian People's Republic (1918) played a significant role in the constitutional process. The constitution of the Ukrainian People's Republic approved by the Centralna Rada is the embodiment of the statehood principles of Ukraine.
On the 24th of October, 1990, the constitutional commission was appointed by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. The draft constitution was written during the first stage of its preparation (1990—1993). It was logically and juridically completed during the second stage (1994—1996). The draft constitution was published and went through nation-wide discussion. On the 28th of June, 1996, the Constitution was confirmed by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Common to all mankind principles of democracy are embodied in the Constitution. The basic economic, social, cultural, public and political rights are guaranteed by the Constitution. According to the Constitution, Ukraine is a sovereign, independent, democratic, social and juridical state. Territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine are proclaimed in the Constitution.
The power in Ukraine belongs to people. It is exercised through democratic elections and referendums and by state government bodies and self-government institutions. The form of state government is a republic. The head of the state is the president. The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is the highest legislative body in the country. The principles of economic, political and ideological multiformity are proclaimed in the Constitution. All citizens have equal rights. People are proclaimed to be the greatest social value in Ukraine. These and other regulations are successively developed in the chapters of the Constitution. The best national traditions are embodied in the Constitution, which creates the legal bases of regulation of social relations.