“The Constitution of Pylyp Orlyk” Block 2010

The main feature of Pylyp Orlyk’s Constitution (adopted on April 5, 1710) is that it was one of the world’s first constitutions to establish the separation of powers into three independent branches and to limit the authority of the monarch (hetman).

This document predated the U.S. Constitution by 77 years and the Constitution of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the French Constitution by 81 years.

Key progressive ideas of the document:
Separation of powers: For the first time in Europe, power was clearly divided into three branches:
Legislative: The General Council (a kind of parliament), which was to convene three times a year.
Executive: The Hetman and the General Council of Officers.
Judicial: The General Court, which was independent of the Hetman. The Hetman did not have the right to punish the guilty on his own.
Limits on the Hetman’s power: The Hetman was no longer the sole ruler. He had to coordinate all state, personnel, and financial matters with the Council. 
The state treasury was separated from the hetman’s private funds.
Anti-corruption provisions: The Constitution prohibited the buying of offices, the use of state property for personal gain, and the exploitation of the common people.
Social protection: Specific articles protected the rights of Cossack widows, orphans, and impoverished peasants. 

They were exempt from taxes and general duties. Although, due to historical circumstances (defeat in the war with Muscovy and expulsion), Pylyp Orlyk’s Constitution did not come into force throughout the entire territory of Ukraine, it became fundamental evidence that 18th-century Ukrainian political thought was ahead of its time and developed in line with European

Artist — Vasylenko, V.
Country - Ukraine
Release Date - 03/29/2010
Stamp size, mm — 82х52
The circulation of stamps - 109 000
Michel number - 1817