1. Pamela S. Katz, J.D. Professor of Political Science and Legal Studies The Sage Colleges, Troy, NY Fulbright Scholar in Vietnam, 2012-13 Law, Youth and Citizenship Annual Conference October 18, 2013

2. Government Structure and Communist Party Historical context of Constitutional Development Current Constitutional Reform The Road to Democracy: Predictions

4. Communist Party of Vietnam umbrella over governmental institutions Politburo, Provincial and local Peoples’ Committees National Assembly, Presidency, Prime Minister, Administrative Agencies, Judiciary Fatherland Front University System Ethnic Minorities

7. Historical marker 1945- Declaration of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam 1954- Geneva accords. 1975-South liberated. Unification as Socialist Republic of Vietnam 1986- Doi Moi Constitutional reform 1946- first Vietnamese Constitution approved by National Assembly 1959- North Vietnam approved second Constitution. 1980- Third Constitution approved for entire nation. 1992- Fourth Constitution adopted

9. Reasons- Relationship to world in global economy has changed 1995- Entry into ASEAN 2007- Entry into WTO Current negotiation of TPP Pressure to advance rule of law and human rights Desire to reaffirm primacy of Communist Party Process- Process National Assembly established Constitutional Drafting Committee draft of revised Constitution approved by NA Submitted to public for comments Editorial Board of CDC will collect and report on public comments Modifications to CDC, then to NA for 2/3 vote.

10. Legacy of division Civic engagement Openness Different voices within Communist party Open dissent Article 19 Petition 72 Multiparty system CORRUPTION Coopting the educated elite Fear of colonialism/concern about stability Speech and assembly restrictions Decree 72 Censorship