• Political Science Notes

• Prepared by : Maaz Ur Rahman PSP

Turkish political
system
 Six principles of Kemalism
1) Republicanism – democracy , abolition of Ottoman Empire
2) Populism –participatory politics , inclusive, by and for the people , women
received right to vote , social revolution
3) Secularism-- adopted Western Code of Law , separation of religion and
ethics , not advocate atheism , anti-clerical , not against enlightened Islam
4) Reformism -from traditional to institutional GNA , President, Courts etc.
5) Statism – static policies for economic development and complete
modernization , liberal economy , peace at home , peace in the world
6) Nationalism – Turkish state indivisible ,one language and culture , anti
imperialism
 Role of Military in Turkish politics
1. Founded democratic and secular state led by military under Ataturk
in 1923
2. 1950-60 military powers and expenditure reduced by Democratic
Party Government ;Military to save Democratic and Secular
kemalism

3. 1971 again coup d'état military crushed separatist and terrorist

4. 1981 five military junta abolished democratic republic ; NSC formed;
new constitution drafted 1982 ;Kenan Evern president for 7 year
5. Military formed secular state; Political parties banned
6. NSC formed
7. Martial law and emergency could be imposed
8. Military role increased in politics
9. 15 July 2016 coup d'état
 Grand National Assembly
1. Unicameral 600 members called Deputies
2. Proportional Representation
3. 87 electoral districts
4. Party must get 10% vote
5. Qualification -- 18 years age
6. Tenure ---- 5 years
7. Election
 Powers and functions
1. Legislative functions --- enact , amend and repeal laws
2. Executive role but now reduced ----- lost power to supervise the
Council of Ministers and to authorize it to issue governmental decrees
3. Ratification of international treaties
4. Authorization to enact decrees
5. Military functions to declare war
6. Investigations
7. Judicial performance
8. Financial duties
 Turkish President
• 2017 constitutional referendum from Parliamentary to Presidential

1. Qualification- citizen higher education

2. Election-direct – two round system absolute majority of votes

3. Tenure -5 years two terms

4. Party Nomination current president from Justice and Development
Party
 Powers of president
1. Legislative
2. Executive
3. Judicial
4. Financial
5. Referendum
6. Commander-in-chief
7. Emergency powers
 Feature of Turkish Constitution
1) Written and partially rigid -177 articles 113 amended 2/3 majority
or referendum
2) Unicameral
3) Unitary and republic
4) Referendum
5) National Security Council
6) Turkish Nationalism
7) Fundamental Rights
8) Presidential system

9) Secular state
10) Military influence but now curtailed

11) Sovereign power –in nation

12) Democratic political system