The constitutional model of the Lithuanian state structure

Abstract

This article analyzes the peculiarities of the unitary state structure model entrenched in the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania in 1992. The author first analyzes the features of the unitary state structure and the principle of state unity. The choice of unitary state structure has been determined by the historic experience of the state of Lithuania. According to the nature of territorial structure, two subtypes of the unitary state structure could be distinguished: a. Purely unitary state; and b. Unitary state with certain autonomous features. Lithuania is a pure unitary state in accordance with the Constitution. This is certified by the totality of the following features: in Lithuania, there is one Constitution, one legal system, one state authorities’ scheme, one organisation of courts, one division of the territory into administrative units with equal status, one citizenship, one state language, and one state budget. These features allow identifying the form of pure unitarism. The history of late XX – early XXI centuries confirms that this Lithuania’s choice is justified. The form of the unitary state structure has strengthened integration of the civil society and statehood of Lithuania. The further direction of the model’s development is strengthening of decentralisation.