Ukraine is a republic under semi-presidential system with separate legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The President of Ukraine is elected by popular vote and is the main head of state. The Prime Minister is appointed and dismissed by the parliament of 450-seats that is called Verkhovna Rada. The parliament also appoints Cabinet of Ministers. The heads of regional and district administrations are appointed by President, but Prime Minister's counter-signature is required for appointment edicts to take force.
Laws, acts of the parliament and Cabinet, presidential edicts, and acts of Crimean parliament (Autonomous Republic of Crimea) may be nullified by the Constitutional Court of Ukraine, when they are found to violate Constitution of Ukraine. Other normative acts are subject to judicial review. The Supreme Court of Ukraine is main body in the system of courts of general jurisdiction.
Local self-government is officially guaranteed. Local councils and city mayors are popularly elected and exercise control over their local budgets.
Ukraine has many political parties, many of which have tiny memberships and are unknown to the general public. Small parties often join in multi-party coalitions (blocks) for the purpose of participating in parliamentary elections.
