1. Unit 11 Political Systems of Southern and Eastern Asia
China and Japan
EQ: How are governments in Southern and Eastern Asia organized?
SS7CG7 The student will demonstrate an understanding of national governments in Southern and Eastern Asia.
a. Compare and contrast the federal republic of The Republic of India, the communist state of The People’s Republic China, and the constitutional monarchy of Japan, distinguishing the form of leadership and the role of the citizen in terms of voting rights and personal freedoms.

2. China Communist nation
Government makes all important decisions
Renamed the People’s Republic of China and divided into 21 provinces and 5 autonomous regions (self-governing regions supervised by the central government)

3. China’s Army The army is a powerful force
Chinese soldiers act as police, guides, and physical laborers
Remember Tiananmen Square?
Although the 1982 constitution guarantees freedom of speech, the Chinese government often uses the subversion of state power clause to imprison those who are critical of the government

4. One-Party Government
China’s real leader is the head of the Communist party
The Chinese Communist party is the only party allowed
Government officials are part of the party

5. Two Pyramids China’s government resemble two pyramids
At the bottom are the small Communist cells found in all neighborhoods
At the top is the Central Committee of the party
The chairman of the Central Committee is the head of the entire party

6. Represent in large groups
The largest group is the National People’s Congress, the national legislature
Has more than 3,500 members and meets once a year in Beijing
The congress chooses the State Council, which is headed by the premier

7. Role of the Citizen
Every Chinese citizen 18 and older is eligible to vote; however, few candidates run for election if they are not approved by the Chinese Communist Party.
The role of the citizen, including what kind of job and education she or he will have, is determined by the state.
There are no votes cast in Chinese elections for anyone other than candidates approved by the government.

8. Japan Constitutional Monarchy
Form of parliamentary democracy
Government having a king or emperor with limited power granted by the constitution or laws of the nation.
Emperor remains a symbol of the country (holds no real power)
The emperor reminds the people of the link between Japan’s traditional government and the newer democratic government
Constitution states the emperor is no longer to be considered a god, from which they believed to have descended from the Sun god.

9. Japan’s Constitution Resembles the Constitution of the U.S.
Guarantees free speech and free press
One of the few countries in Asia where citizens can speak out against the government without fear of punishment
All citizens 20 and older, including women, are guaranteed the right to vote
The Bill of Rights includes the basic freedoms that all Japanese citizens may enjoy.

10. The Diet Japan’s legislature, called the Diet, was founded in 1947
Makes all laws for the country
The leader of the majority party in the legislature becomes prime minister (leader of the government)
Prime minister selects a cabinet to give advice

11. Use this chart to answer the questions on your paper.
Country
Type of Gov.
Who Votes
Role of Religion
Design of Gov.
Japan
Constitutional Monarchy
All citizens 20 years old or older
No direct role; the government is considered secular
Elected parliament (the Diet) and a prime minister chosen by the Diet members
China
Communist Party
All citizens over the age of 18
Religion is not encouraged by the Chinese government
National People’s Congress with leaders chosen by the congress
India
Democratic Republic
India has a secular government
Elected parliament with a prime minister chosen from the majority party

12. Which best describes the Japanese government?
D. Constitutional Monarchy
The Japanese parliament is called the
A. Diet
What role do religious leaders play in the Indian government?
D. The country has a secular government in order to avoid seeming to favor one group over another.
Who is allowed to vote in Indian elections?
B. All citizens who are 18 years of age or older
Who is allowed to vote in Japan?
B. All citizens who are 20 years of age or older may vote
What sort of government is the People’s Republic of China?
D. Communist Government
What is the name of the elected Chinese legislative assembly?
D. National People’s Congress
Who can vote in national elections in China?
C. All citizens who are 18 years of age or older
Which country is the world’s largest democracy?
A. India

13. EQ: How are governments in Southern and Eastern Asia organized?
TOTD On a half sheet of paper, write the question and answer it. Put your name on your paper.
EQ: How are governments in Southern and Eastern Asia organized?