1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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)

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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