South+Korea+Politics

South Korea Politics
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Governing Body and its officials
South Korea is a republic, with the city of Seoul as its capital.

South Korea’s constitution has been in place since 1948, with many amendments and rewrites. The current constitution was approved October 29, 1987. The current constitution represents a major advancement on the part of South Korea to become more truly democratic by limiting the president’s powers and strengthening the power of the legislature and other programs to protect human rights.

The principles of the constitution include the sovereignty of the people, separation of powers, the pursuit of a peaceful and democratic unification of South and North Korea, improving international relations, and outlining the responsibility of the state to promote welfare.

The legal system is a mix combining European civil law, Anglo-American law and Chinese classical thought.

Executive Branch
The president is elected by popular vote for a single five-year term; the last election last held on December, 19 2007 (the next election will be held in December 2012). The prime minister is appointed by president with consent of National Assembly. The president also appoints members of the State Council based on the prime minister's recommendation.

South Korea's current chief of state is President LEE Myung-bak (since 25 February 2008).

South Korea's current head of government is Prime Minister KIM Hwang-sik (since 1 October 2010).

Legislative Branch
In South Korea, the unicameral National Assembly, or Gukhoe, makes up the legislative branch. The National Assembly has 299 seats. 245 of its members are elected in single-seat constituencies, and 54 are elected by proportional representation. Members of the National Assembly serve four-year terms.

Judicial Branch
The Supreme Court is made up of justices appointed by the president with consent of National Assembly. South Korea also has a Constitutional Court, with justices appointed by the president based partly on nominations by National Assembly and Chief Justice of the court.

South Korea's legal system combines the traditions and philosophies of European civil law, Anglo-American law, and Chinese classical thought.

Role and Influence of the People on South Korean Politics
South Korean citizens are able to vote at age 19. South Korea has universal suffrage. Voter turnout for the 2008 legislative elections was 46% of the population. Voter turnout for the presidential election in 2007 was 63% of the population.

Since its establishment, the South Korean goverment has alternated between democracy and autocracy. In response to authoritarian measures by the government, the people of South Korea engaged in protests and demonstrations.

The National Security Law is the most important human rights issue in South Korea. The National Security Law is used to limit the right to freedom of expression and association. Citizens found in violation of law by participating in vaguely defined “anti-state” activities may receive long prison sentences or the death penalty.