VOL 1 ISSUE 1 11/2/2017

SOUTH KOREAN GOVERNEMENT

AUTHOR: CELESTE DIAZ

BACKGROUND

South Korea was formed after the U.S. helped freed Korea from Japanese rule in 1945. The Soviet
Union and the United States both occupied Korea, and could not form negations to keep a Korea
whole. Korea was the split along the 38th parallel, with the Soviet Union supporting the Democratic
Peoples Republic of Korea (North Korea) and The United States supporting the Republic of Korea
(South Korea). The first President of South Korea, Syngman Rhee was elected August 15, 1948 and
he created the First Republic.

THE THREE BRANCHES OF

GOVERNMENT
EXECUTIVE
This branch consists mainly of the Cabinet
of South Korea. It consists of 15-30
members including the chairperson, the
Prime Minister, the vice Prime Minister,
and the ministers of the 17 ministries in
the nation. Their main responsibility is to
discuss and deliberate on important
policies in South Korea.

CONSTITUTION
First established on July 17, 1948, it is the most
important documents in South Korea. It guarantees
South Korean citizens their freedom, rights, and equal
opportunity. It also states that while people have their
freedom, they are obligated to pay taxes, educate their
children, work, and protect the nation. It also proclaims
that South Korea will strive for international peace and
that international treaties are to be accepted by South
Korean citizens.
LEGISLATIVE
The legislative branch consists of The
National Assembly, one of the most
important groups in the South Korean
government. It is composed of 300
members, 253 are chosen through
plurality votes and the other 47 are
elected through proportional
representation. The National Assembly is
split into 17 different committees. They
deliberate and help pass laws, create
budgets, and completing administrative
tasks. Most importantly, the National
Assembly can impeach or recommend the
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removal of higher officials such as the

Prime Minster or even the President.

JUDICIARY
The Judiciary branch is made up of three
tiers of courts: District Courts, High
Courts, and The Supreme Court. Most
criminal and civil cases begin at the
district level, and work their way up the
courts through appeals. The supreme
court serves as the final verdict on all
cases