The Republic of China was founded in 1912, and was Asia's first constitutional republic. Under the able leadership of Dr. Sun Yat Sen in the early 20th Century, Taiwan's governing system is made 'of the people, by the people, and for the people'. The president, being the head of state, manages the five branches of the central government called 'Yuan'. They are the Executive Yuan, Legislative Yuan, Judicial Yuan, Examination Yuan, and the Control Yuan.

Executive Yuan - includes ministries, and other offices and departments.

Legislative Yuan - law-making body.

Judicial Yuan - Courts, Council of Grand Justices, other bodies that uphold and interpret the law.

Examination Yuan - supervises examinations and personnel.

Control Yuan - has powers of consent, impeachment, and audit.

Besides the ROC government, the Taiwan Provincial Government and various counties, cities, and ethnic minority groups have elected their own representatives to express their opinions and issues over daily matters and decision making. Taiwan's current leader is Lee Teng-hui.