Lessons 11 · 1 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
11
State governance in the Republic of Uzbekistan
Textbook: pp. 60–64
GoalExplain the basic principles of state governance in Uzbekistan, the separation of powers and the system of bodies.
New words
Constitution · Konstitutsiyareferendum · referendumOliy Majlis (parliament) · Oliy Majlislocal authorities · mahalliy hokimiyat
Explanation
The Constitution of Uzbekistan was adopted on 8 December 1992; its new edition was approved in a nationwide referendum on 30 April 2023 and entered into force on 1 May. Under it, the only source of state power is the people. Only the bodies provided for by the Constitution act in the name of the people, and seizing state power arbitrarily is unlawful. State power is divided into legislative, executive and judicial branches; they are interconnected but relatively independent and balance each other. Legislative power is exercised by the Oliy Majlis (Senate and Legislative Chamber), executive power by the Cabinet of Ministers and local hokimiyats, judicial power by the courts; the President, as head of state, ensures the coordinated work of the bodies. At the local level there are hokimiyats, councils of people’s deputies and citizens’ self-government – the mahalla. Important questions may be put to a referendum.
Worked examples
A new law: the Oliy Majlis passes it, the President signs it, the Cabinet of Ministers and hokimiyats ensure its implementation, and a court settles any dispute. This is an example of the three branches at work.
If a citizen asks for a permit for home repairs, the service is provided by the district hokimiyat (local executive body) or through a Public Services Centre. A proposal about street lighting can be raised through a deputy of the district council (a representative body) or through the mahalla (a citizens’ self-government body).
Class activity
“Chain of power”: groups write bodies on small cards (Oliy Majlis, President, Cabinet of Ministers, court, hokimiyat, mahalla) and sort them into three columns: makes law / executes / judges.
Practice
1
When was the Constitution adopted and when was its new edition approved?
On 8 December 1992; the new edition at the referendum of 30 April 2023 (in force from 1 May).
2
Who is the only source of state power?
The people.
3
Why is separation of powers needed?
So that power is not concentrated in one body, the risk of abuse is lower and bodies can check each other.
4
How is seizing state power in a way not provided for by the Constitution assessed?
As an act contrary to the Constitution and unlawful; it leads to liability.