Lessons 9 · 1 lessons · G. M. Tansikbayeva, V. A. Kostetskiy. Konstitutsiyaviy huquq asoslari (Basics of constitutional law), Grade 9, general editor A. X. Saidov, revised and expanded 8th edition. “Sharq” publishing house, Tashkent, 2019
9
Political rights
Textbook: pp. 56–60
GoalDescribe citizens’ political rights – taking part in government, elections, assemblies, association and petition – and distinguish forms of appeals.
New words
electoral right · saylov huquqiappeal · murojaatrally · mitingpublic oversight · jamoatchilik nazorati
Explanation
Political rights let a citizen take part in running society and the state. This is done directly (a referendum, discussing draft laws) or through elected representatives. A citizen has the right to vote from age 18; the law sets an age and other conditions for being elected (for example, a presidential candidate must be at least 35). In accordance with law, citizens may hold assemblies, rallies and demonstrations and may form or join political parties, trade unions and other public associations. One can address state bodies with an application (asking for help in exercising a right), a proposal (a recommendation to improve work) or a complaint (demanding restoration of a violated right); an appeal may be oral, written or electronic and is considered within the term set by law. An open portal such as regulation.gov.uz exists for discussing draft laws.
Worked examples
A schoolchild under 18 can still voice a proposal at a mahalla meeting or give an opinion in discussing a draft law; voting in elections, however, starts at 18.
Writing to the district khokimiyat that a street lamp does not work is an everyday form of a political right; an answer must be given within the term set by law.
Class activity
“Identify the type of appeal”: the teacher reads texts; the class labels each “application”, “proposal” or “complaint” and writes a short sample of one.
Practice
1
Name four political rights.
Taking part in government, electing and being elected, freedom of assembly and rallies, association, appealing to state bodies.
2
What is the difference between an application, a proposal and a complaint?
An application asks for help in exercising a right; a proposal recommends an improvement; a complaint demands restoration of a violated right.
3
From what age does a citizen have the right to vote and how can a 16-year-old pupil show political activity?
From 18; a 16-year-old can voice opinions in discussions, write proposals or take part in a school pupils’ council.
4
Why is citizens’ participation in discussing draft laws important?
Because the law is improved on the basis of more opinions, taking the interests of many into account, and society trusts it more.