Governments of Southeast Asia Ways governments distribute power How governments determine citizen participation Two forms of democratic governments National Governments of Southern and Eastern Asia

Unitary Central government holds nearly all of the power (ex: Monarchy) People’s Republic of China (communist) Japan-constitutional monarchy Emperor of Japan is head of state and is a symbol of the country with no political power; ceremonial duties only DIET-a two house legislature that is elected by the Japanese people

Confederation Local governments hold all of the power and the central government depends on local for its existence. United Nations ASEAN-Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional group organized to help the member countries cooperate on economic matters, encourage cultural exchanges, and to help keep peace and stability in the region

Federal Power is shared among different levels of government India-a federal government Indian National Congress-a two house legislature made up of representatives elected from all across the country who are chosen in a general election in which all citizens 18 years of age or older are eligible to vote Once the INC is elected, the majority political party chooses someone to serve as Prime Minister

Autocratic The ruler has absolute power to do whatever he wishes and make and enforce whatever laws he chooses Citizens do not have any rights to choose leaders or vote on laws North Korea-communist The ruler holds the office of premier and head of the National Defense Commission, two most powerful positions in government He rules as an autocratic dictator

Oligarchy “government by the few” Political party or other small group takes over a government and makes all of the major decisions People’s Republic of China- leaders of the Chinese Communist Party control most of what goes on in the country.

Democratic People play a much bigger role in deciding who the rulers are and what decisions are made “demos” which means “people” Must be some rules to society but goal is to leave as much personal freedom as possible India, Japan, South Korea

Parliamentary Democracy Parliament, or legislature, is elected by the people Parliament makes and enforces laws The leader of parliament is usually chosen by the party that wins the majority of representatives in the legislature. (“premier” or “prime minister”) P.M. leads executive branch and answers directly to the legislature Usually a head of state serves as ceremonial leader P.M. usually leads with help from a cabinet, group of advisors India-largest parliamentary democracy in the world Japan

The Republic of India British colony beginning in the 1700s until 1947 Upon independence, India modeled its government after Great Britain’s Largest democracy in the world Constitution was adopted in 1950 Guarantees all Indian citizens equal rights including the “untouchables” and women Indira Gandhi was the first woman to be elected prime minister in the 1990s (Gandhi’s daughter)

The Republic of India All citizens age 18 and over can vote Republic-elected individuals make decisions for the people Local power is in hands of village council, which is part of a larger group of villages known as district councils. National parliament is made of two houses and its representatives are elected from local districts Elections for parliament held every five years Leader of majority party serves as P.M. and head of government Secular- favors no special religion, even though majority of people are Hindu

People’s Republic of China Communist, one-party dictatorship Chinese Revolution in 1949 brought communists to power under the leadership of Communist Party Chairman Mao Tse-Tung Power was in his hands as well as the small group, Political Bureau of the Communist Party

People’s Republic of China Government involvement: In the early years of communism, there was much suffering and starvation Property was taken from wealthy landowners and given to peasants who had no land Religion is not encouraged but is no longer forbidden All children expected to attend school Farmers were controlled by government Industries were under government control.

People’s Republic of China Still run by Chinese Communist Party National People’s Congress Elected every five years by a vote of the Chinese people Anyone over the age of 18 can vote Those running for office are usually approved by the Chinese Communist Party NPC chooses a president and vice-president President chooses a premier who serves same five year sentence as Congress Jobs and education of the people are determined by the state

Japan Before WWII, Japan was a monarchy Ruled by hereditary emperor named Hirohito He was believed to be descended from the Sun He was thought to be a god and few had ever seen him After Japan’s defeat in WWII, US helped Japanese become a constitutional monarchy

Constitutional Monarchy of Japan Government led by prime minister and a cabinet of advisors P.M. chosen by election of members of the Diet All citizens over age of 20 have right to vote for members of Diet Bill of Rights include personal freedoms Government is secular – no role of religion in the government Emperor has no political power Constitution states the emperor is not a god

In Review: Country Type of Gov’t? Who votes? Role of religion? Design of gov’t? Japan Constitutional Monarchy All citizens 20 and older No direct role; gov’t is secular Diet (elected parliament) Prime Minister elected by Diet China Communist All citizens over 18 Religion is not encouraged by gov’t National People’s Congress with leaders chosen by NPC India Democratic Republic All citizens over 8 Secular Elected parliament with a PM chosen from majority party