Lessons 6–7 · 2 lessons · O. Karimova, N. Ismatova, Sh. Sariqov, O. Amanova (methodological editor E. Sariqov). O‘zbekiston davlati va huquqi asoslari (Foundations of the state and law of Uzbekistan), Grade 8. Huquq va Jamiyat publishers, Tashkent, 2019
7
Form of state structure
Textbook: pp. 35–39
GoalDistinguish the forms of state structure – unitary, federal and confederal states – and their features.
The form of state structure shows the state’s administrative-territorial organisation. A unitary (simple) state has a single constitution, single laws, one army, currency, tax system and citizenship; its territory is divided into administrative units (regions, districts). Examples: Uzbekistan, France, Japan. A federation is a complex state formed by uniting several states or territories: the main power is at the centre, but the federation’s members (states, republics, territories) have their own bodies and sometimes their own constitutions; parliament is often bicameral (USA, Russia, Germany, India). A confederation is a union of independent states that keep their sovereignty and join for specific aims: there is no common citizenship or single territory, members may leave, and the structure is fragile. Uzbekistan is a unitary state; the Republic of Karakalpakstan is a sovereign republic within it and has its own constitution, which must not contradict the Constitution of Uzbekistan.
Worked examples
In a unitary state one Civil Code applies throughout the country; in a federation, on some questions member states may adopt their own laws.
Federations can be strong or may break up: the Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia broke up, while the USA and Germany are still federations.
Class activity
“Which form?”: four cards are given (one currency and army; states have their own constitutions; independent states form a union for a purpose; two-chamber parliament). Groups match them to unitary, federal or confederal forms.
Practice
1
List four features of a unitary state.
A single constitution and laws, one army, a single currency and tax system, single citizenship.
2
What is the main difference between a federation and a confederation?
A federation is one complex state with the main power at the centre; in a confederation members keep sovereignty, with no single citizenship or territory.
3
What form of state structure does Uzbekistan have and what is Karakalpakstan’s status?
A unitary state; Karakalpakstan is a sovereign republic within it with its own constitution that does not contradict Uzbekistan’s Constitution.
4
Why can federations and confederations sometimes be unstable?
Because the division of power between the centre and members, differing interests and economic or national disagreements can cause disputes.