Czech constitution and state symbols

1.1.1969

ČSFR-federation

17.11.1939

closure of Czech universities

17.11.1989

Velvet revolution

what does the velvet mean?

that noone was killed

23.4.1990

Czech and Slovak Federative Republic, the communist party has the leading role in the state no more

november 1992

ČSFR ceased to exist by law

16.12.1992

date of acceptance of the Czech Constitution

31.12.1992

Czechoslovakia ceased to exist

1.1.1993

Czech republic and Slovakia were established, constitution of the Czech republic

What does the Czech constitution consist of?

preamble, 8 chapters and 113 articles

What is the preamble?

Introduction to the Constitution

What is in the preamble?

basic democratic principles (freedom, equality, human rights, etc.)

What is chapter 1 about?

basic principles of how state should work, stratification of power-LEGISLATIVE, JUDICIAL, EXECUTIVE

What is chapter 2 about?

Legislative power, parliament, senate, the chamber of deputies-to be able to work 1/3, to pass a law 50%, to pass a constitutional law 3/5

What is chapter 3 about?

Executive power-government, president

What does the government consist of?

prime minister and ministers-ministers in charge of their offices (education, deffence, interior, foreign affairs, etc.)

President

Head of the Executive Branch, direct vote, elected for 5 years

What can the president do?

appoints government or judges, signs laws, carries out laws, proposes laws, vetos laws, negotiates treaties between other countries, serves as a commander in chief to all armed forces, appoints federal judges, and can grant a pardon

What functions does the president have?

representative function, has immunity-can be only tried for a treason (on behalf of the senate)

What is chapter 4 about?

Judicial branch-independent, supreme court, constitutional court-has 15 members appointed for 10 years

What is chapter 5 about?

Supreme Control office (NKÚ)-controls the management of state property and the implementation of the State Budget, president and the vice-president of this body shall be appointed by the president of the republic

What is chapter 6 about?

Czech national bank (ČNB)-central bank of the state, caring for price stability

What is chapter 7 about?

Administrative division of the czech republic-overseeing the management of state property and the state budget, emphasizes the importance of financial accountability and transparency in public administration, aligning with democratic principles and good governance.

What is chapter 8 about?

Transition from ČNR to PSP-provisions addressing the transitional arrangements and final clauses necessary to implement the Constitution. It is essentially a technical chapter ensuring the smooth transition to the new constitutional framework, provides a bridge between the legal order before and after the adoption of the Constitution, ensuring stability during the transition period.

What are the czech national symbols?

large and small coat of arms, czech flag, presidential standard, national colors, national anthem, state seal, linden tree

What does the large coat of arms contain?

Features the historic emblems of the Czech Republic's three main lands:

Bohemia: A silver lion on a red background with a crown and two tails.

Moravia: A red-and-silver checkered eagle on a blue background.

Silesia: A black eagle with a golden crescent on its chest, on a golden background.

What does the small coat of arms contain?

Displays only the Bohemian lion.

Where can we find the coats of arms?

Found on official state buildings, such as government offices, courts, and embassies.

Used on official state documents, coins, and passports.

What does the czech flag look like?

A horizontal bicolor of white (top) and red (bottom) with a blue triangle extending from the hoist side.

White and red are traditional Slavic colors, while the blue triangle symbolizes the Slovak part of the former Czechoslovakia.

Where can we find the czech flag?

Displayed on public buildings, during state ceremonies, and at international events like diplomatic missions and sports competitions.

What is the presidential standard (flag of the president)?

A square flag with the large coat of arms in the center, surrounded by a decorative border, with the words "Pravda vítězí" ("Truth prevails") inscribed.

Where can we find the presidential standard?

Flown at Prague Castle or wherever the President is present.

What are the national colors?

white, red and blue

What is the czech national anthem?

"Kde domov můj" ("Where Is My Home") by František Škroup (music) and Josef Kajetán Tyl (lyrics). It is the first stanza of a song from the play Fidlovačka.

Where can we find the czech national anthem?

Played during official state ceremonies, international events, and national holidays.

What is the state seal?

A circular seal featuring the large coat of arms in the center and the inscription "Česká republika" (Czech Republic).

Where can we find the state seal?

Used to validate important documents, such as treaties, and during presidential appointments.

What is the linden tree?

A national tree symbolizing freedom and Slavic identity, often associated with Czech cultural heritage.

Where can we find the linden tree?

Symbolically present in literature, public parks, and commemorative art.

What are the czech national symbols used for?

Ceremonial and Official Representation: Represent the Czech Republic in formal settings.

Cultural and Historical Identity: Embody national pride and the cultural heritage of the Czech people.

Legal and Administrative Contexts: Used in official capacities, such as stamps, seals, and emblems on government communications.