Sich Rada

The Sich Council (Ukrainian: Січова Рада, romanized: Sichova Rada) was the highest branch of government of the Zaporozhian Cossacks, and based at their center, the Zaporizhian Sich. It was also called Ukrainian: Військова Рада, romanized: Viyskova Rada, lit. 'Host Council'. The Rada, a type of governing committee but with participation from the cossack members, was involved in legislative, executive and judicial matters.

The Rada met irregularly on the central square of the Zaporozhian Sich; later, in the 18th century, it met twice a year. Measures were adopted by a majority vote, which was estimated visually with no exact count of hands.