Research Document I&S Turkiye

History of the Turkish Government System

The Republic of Turkiye was founded in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, following the collapse of
the Ottoman Empire. Atatürk established a secular, democratic republic with a parliamentary system
of government. The first constitution of the Republic of Turkiye was adopted in 1924.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Founder of the Republic of Turkiye

The Turkish government system has undergone several changes since its inception. In 1960, 1971,
and 1980, the military intervened in Turkish politics and overthrew the government. After each coup,
a new constitution was adopted. The current constitution, adopted in 1982, is still in effect today.

Structure of the Turkish Government System

The Turkish government system is based on a separation of powers. The legislative branch is made up
of the Grand National Assembly, which is a unicameral parliament with 600 members. The executive
branch is headed by the President, who is elected by the people for a five-year term. The President
appoints the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, who are responsible for carrying out the laws passed by
the Grand National Assembly. The judicial branch is independent of the other two branches and is
headed by the Constitutional Court.

Constitutional Court of Turkiye

Voting Process in Turkiye

Turkiye has a universal suffrage system, which means that all citizens over the age of 18 are eligible
to vote. Voting is compulsory in Turkiye. Parliamentary elections are held every four years, and
presidential elections are held every five years.

To vote in Turkiye, citizens must register with the Supreme Election Board (YSK). On election day,
voters must present their identification cards to vote. Voting is conducted using secret ballots.

The results of elections are usually known within a few hours of polls closing. The party that wins the
most seats in the Grand National Assembly forms the government.

Issues Facing the Turkish Government System

The Turkish government system faces a number of challenges, including:

 The role of the military: The Turkish military has a long history of intervening in politics.
This has led to concerns about the military's influence over the government.

 The Kurdish issue: The Kurdish people, who make up about 20% of the Turkish population,
have long demanded greater autonomy. This issue has led to violence and instability in
Turkiye.

 The economy: Turkiye's economy has been volatile in recent years. This has led to high
unemployment and inflation.

 Human rights: Turkiye has been criticized for its record on human rights. This includes issues
such as freedom of expression and freedom of assembly.

Despite these challenges, Turkiye is a democracy with a strong tradition of government institutions.
The Turkish people are committed to democracy and are working to address the challenges facing
their country.

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Turkish Government System

Turkiye is a presidential representative democracy and a constitutional republic within a

pluriform multi-party system, in which the president (the head of state and head of
government), parliament, and judiciary share powers reserved to the national government.
The government is divided into three branches, as per the specific terms articulated in part
three of the Turkish Constitution:

Legislative: The unicameral Grand National Assembly of Turkiye (Türkiye Büyük Millet
Meclisi) makes law, debates and adopts the budget bills, declares war, approves treaties,
proclaims amnesty and pardon, and has the power of impeachment, by which it can remove
sitting members of the government.

Executive: The Council of Ministers, headed by the president, carries out the executive
power. The president appoints the ministers, chairs the Council of Ministers, and represents
the state in domestic and foreign affairs. The president also has the power to veto laws passed
by the parliament, but the parliament can override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote.

Judicial: The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. The highest court
in the country is the Constitutional Court, which has the power to review the constitutionality
of laws and other government actions. The Court of Cassation is the highest court of appeals,
and the Council of State is the highest administrative court.

Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances

The Turkish government system is based on the principle of separation of powers. This
means that the three branches of government – the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary
– are independent of each other. This separation of powers is designed to prevent any one
branch from becoming too powerful.

In addition to the separation of powers, the Turkish government system also includes a
system of checks and balances. This means that each branch of government has the power to
check the powers of the other branches. For example, the parliament can pass laws that limit
the power of the president, the president can veto laws passed by the parliament, and the
judiciary can review the constitutionality of laws and other government actions.

Role of Different Branches of Government

Legislature: The Grand National Assembly of Turkiye is the legislative branch of the Turkish
government. It is responsible for making laws, debating and adopting the budget bills,
declaring war, approving treaties, proclaiming amnesty and pardon, and having the power of
impeachment.

Executive: The Council of Ministers, headed by the president, is the executive branch of the
Turkish government. It is responsible for carrying out the laws passed by the parliament and
for representing the state in domestic and foreign affairs.

Judiciary: The judiciary is the judicial branch of the Turkish government. It is responsible for
interpreting the law and for resolving disputes. The judiciary is independent of the executive
and the legislature.

Representation

The Turkish government system is representative in the sense that elected officials represent the
people who voted for them. However, there are some concerns about the fairness of representation in
Turkey. For example, the electoral system is biased in favor of the ruling Justice and Development
Party (AKP). Additionally, the AKP has been accused of using state resources to campaign and of
intimidating opposition candidates and voters.

Another concern is that the Turkish government does not adequately represent the country's diversity.
For example, Kurds, who make up around 20% of the population, are underrepresented in the
government. Similarly, women are underrepresented in elected office.

Participation

Voter turnout in Turkey is generally high, but there are some concerns about the level of participation
in the political process. For example, the government has cracked down on civil society organizations
and independent media, which has made it more difficult for people to participate in civic life and to
hold the government accountable.

Additionally, the government has been accused of using violence and intimidation to suppress dissent.
This has created a climate of fear and distrust, which has made some people reluctant to participate in
the political process.

Responsiveness

The Turkish government is responsive to the needs of some groups, such as its core supporters.
However, it is less responsive to the needs of other groups, such as the opposition and minority
groups.

For example, the government has been accused of using state resources to benefit its supporters, such
as by awarding them government contracts and jobs. Additionally, the government has been accused
of cracking down on dissent and of failing to protect the rights of minority groups.

Overall, the Turkish government system is not fully fair. There are concerns about the fairness of
representation, participation, and responsiveness. The government is responsive to the needs of some
groups, but it is less responsive to the needs of other groups.

Here are some specific examples of the fairness of the Turkish government system in relation to
representation, participation, and responsiveness:

Representation:

 The electoral system is biased in favor of the ruling AKP.

 The AKP has been accused of using state resources to campaign and of intimidating
opposition candidates and voters.
 The Turkish government does not adequately represent the country's diversity. For example,
Kurds and women are underrepresented in government.

Participation:

 Voter turnout in Turkey is generally high.

  The government has cracked down on civil society organizations and independent media,
which has made it more difficult for people to participate in civic life and to hold the
government accountable.
 The government has been accused of using violence and intimidation to suppress dissent.

Responsiveness:

 The Turkish government is responsive to the needs of some groups, such as its core
supporters.
 The government is less responsive to the needs of other groups, such as the opposition and
minority groups.
 The government has been accused of using state resources to benefit its supporters, such as by
awarding them government contracts and jobs.
 The government has been accused of cracking down on dissent and of failing to protect the
rights of minority groups.

Good aspects:

 The system is generally stable and has provided a period of economic growth and prosperity.
 The government has made investments in infrastructure and social programs, such as
education and healthcare.
 The government has a strong commitment to secularism and democracy.

Bad aspects:

 The system is increasingly authoritarian, and the government has been accused of cracking
down on dissent.
 The government has been criticized for its human rights record, particularly its treatment of
Kurds and other minority groups.
 The system is prone to corruption and cronyism.
 The government has been accused of using state resources to benefit its supporters.

Examples of good aspects:

 The Turkish government has invested heavily in infrastructure, such as roads,bridges, and
airports.
 The government has expanded access to education and healthcare.
 The government has reduced poverty and inequality.
 The government has maintained good relations with its neighbors and with the West.

Examples of bad aspects:

 The government has cracked down on independent media and civil society organizations.
 The government has arrested and prosecuted journalists, academics, and other critics of the
government.
 The government has been accused of using torture and other forms of ill-treatment of
detainees.
 The government has discriminated against Kurds and other minority groups.
 The government has been accused of corruption and cronyism.