Critical Daily    Critical practice in graphic design

Ilustrovaná ústava Slovenskej republiky [The Illustrated Constitution of the Slovak Republic] is a practical book for every household, according to publisher Adam Berka (82 Bøok & Design Shõp).

Having one’s own State, language and flag, being part of a democratic world, having allies, a legal system and a Constitution, are all big issues. After all, it cost our ancestors a lot of effort to gain these, many laid down their lives in the fight for freedom and democracy in Slovakia.

What values does our country adhere to? What rights does it guarantee its citizens? Who does the law protect us from and what does it require of us? The Constitution deals with all of this. Every citizen should be aware of its contents, but how many have thoroughly read this important document?

The authors of this special edition of the Constitution also asked the same questions. How should a country work in order for its people to live well, in freedom and safety? What does it require of its citizens in order for them to live together in peace?

This is literally a book for everyone. Graphic Designer Boris Meluš has made the basic principles of legislation visually attractive and clear to understand. The text of the Constitution of the Slovak Republic speaks in an intelligible language about the basic values for which the country stands. Colourful drawings by Andrej Kolenčík point to the principles in a subtle and often humorous way.

In addition to answering basic questions about identity, the book is also a high-level legal document. What is written in it applies to every person, without distinction.

The goal of the authors is for people to be better informed of their own rights, knowledge that is practical and useful. Democracy and freedom are part of the national identity.

It is essential for citizens to realise that being a proud Slovak not only means respecting the flag or the coat of arms, but also the Constitution and what is written in it.