Politics of Taiwan

Lore & Background

The National Assembly, which formerly elected the president and amended the constitution, has been abolished. Constitutional amendments now require approval by three-fourths of the Legislative Yuan quorum and ratification by a referendum with at least fifty percent of eligible voters.

Reader's Guide

The politics of Taiwan are significant as a case study of democratic transition from an authoritarian one-party system to a vibrant democracy. The system's unique five-power structure, derived from Sun Yat-sen's philosophy, distinguishes it from Western models. The legacy of the Kuomintang's strongman rule has concentrated executive power in the presidency rather than the premiership. The ongoing constitutional ambiguity regarding national boundaries reflects the unresolved status of Taiwan's relationship with mainland China, with the People's Republic of China threatening war if independence is formalized. Taiwan's political evolution from martial law and the White Terror to a full democracy demonstrates the possibility of peaceful democratic change in East Asia.

Did You Know?

• Taiwan's political system is a representative democratic republic under a five-power system, modeled on Sun Yat-sen's Three Principles of the People.
• The Economist Intelligence Unit rated Taiwan 8th place as a 'full democracy' in 2022.