Geography l Climate l Economy l Government l History l People l Religion

Government

The Republic of China on Taiwan, as the government officially refers to Taiwan, still marches to the battle cry of Dr. Sun Yat Sen, who established a governing system "of the people, by the people and for the people" early in the 20th century.

The government adopted a constitution based on those principles. It incorporates five branches of government called Yuan under a president. The executive Yuan resembles the cabinet of Western governments and includes ministries and other offices and departments. Law-making is the function of the Legislative Yuan. The Control Yuan has powers of consent, impeachment, censure and audit. Under the Judicial Yuan are the courts, Council of Grand Justices and other offices that uphold and interpret the law. Finally, the Examination Yuan supervises examinations and personnel.

In addition to the ROC government, the Taiwan Provincial Government and numerous county, city and ethnic minority groups have freely-elected representatives that participate in daily decision-making. The current president of the republic is Lee Teng-hui.