FORMS AND PRINCIPLES OF ORGANIZATION OF PUBLIC AUTHORITY OF THE TIME OF THE COSSACK STATE

Abstract

The article describes the mechanisms of formation of the principles and forms of functioning of the state power of the Cossack-Hetman Ukraine; the peculiarities of the formation of the institutional foundations of the Ukrainian state as a complex and contradictory process of the Cossacks are established; it is substantiated that during the whole period of existence of the Zaporozhian Sich there is a natural system of public administration, which formed the basic principles of the Cossacks as the then political elite. The principles of which were divisibility (Sich was divided into huts, there were a maximum of 38), territoriality — into palanquins (five or eight), selectivity (Cossacks of the hut belonged to the authorities of the elected smokehouse ataman). Research and analysis of scientific and historical sources have shown that most researchers believe that in the days of the Cossack state it is possible to study the structure of public power, the elements of which are identical, to some extent, to modern forms of public power as the highest self-government. The most important issues were decided by the military council, which was based on the principles of true brotherhood and mutual assistance. The entire system of state bodies was ensured through the formation of military-administrative power through the implementation of the principles of internal and external functions inherent in the state. The main form of public power was also the general council, among other things, it formed different levels of executive, judicial and military power of the Zaporozhian Army, in particular, elected a hetman, whose power extended to all Cossacks of the Zaporozhian Army, including those who lived in the parish, that is, in the populated areas of Ukraine, primarily within the Kiev and Bratslav provinces.

We came to the conclusion that the forms and principles of organization of the Cossack self-government of the Zaporozhian Sich ensured the performance of the functions inherent in the state. This gives grounds to claim that it was there that Ukrainian statehood was revived.