Government Systems and Political Ideologies

Burma

Burma was once under the control of British, during its colonial rule. It was also once a part of India. But Burma gained independent from India in 1937, and the Burmese National Army, led by Aung San, fought together with the Japanese in order to drive out the British during World War 2. But after realizing that the Japanese were trying to take over their country, he fought against the Japanese. During Burma’s first election, Aung San won the election with his party, the People's Freedom League, which aimed to set up a parliamentary democracy government. Although he was later assassinated, Burma gained independence in 1948 and was declared to be the Union of Burma. Burmese people in areas which were close to the borders of the new Union of Burma wanted to these areas to be part of Burma too, as they places were rich in teak and gems. When their demands were rejected, they staged rebellions. It came to an end when the UN used their army to restore peace.

But this peace did not last for long; the constitution was abolished during a coup by General Ne Win. The Burma Socialist Programme Party put the country on the path to socialism; hence there were no free elections for 26 years. On 8th August 1988, there were thousands of university students protesting against the harsh rule of the socialist. The government responded with violence, killing many of the protesters. This led to another coup announced by the State Law and Order Restoration Council. Burma was thrown into a state of emergency, and more deaths occurred. An election was held in 1989 and the National League of Democracy was set up. Aung San Suu Kyi, who is daughter of Aung San, was elected as the leader of the party. Being the daughter of a well-known independence crusader, her party gained 80% of the seats. However, the ruling government nullified the results and refused to hand over power, and put her under house arrest. She was once released in 1995 and won the Nobel Peace Prize, but she was again arrested in 2000. After negotiations with the government, she was released again in 2002. There was another coup in 2004 and the government was taken over by General Soa Win.

Issues in Burma

The largest ethnic group in Burma is the Bamar which makes up about 68% of the whole population. The Shan and Kayin make up about 10% and 7% of the population respectively. However, these ethnic groups are only a proportion of the 135 ethnics groups recognized by the government. Burma is considered to be one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world. This is one of the main reasons that unrest is so observed often in the country.

In August 2007, there were peaceful, pro-democracy protests by citizens and monks against the government and to oppose the current military regime. However the government put down the protests with violence. No media was allowed in the country, and news sites were blocked. Communication was completely cut down. The ethnic minorities in the country lived in constant fear after the army burnt down their villages. This turned the world’s attention on the country; and many organizations voiced objection towards the government’s violent crackdown on the protesters.

Baganmyo

Structure of Government

Burma’s leader is the military junta, which means that the military has the control of the government. After the military coup in 1988, the constitution was suspended. Although there was an election held after the junta took over, the result of the election was not recognized by the government. The convention was reconvened in 2004, but in the absence of their primary opposition party in the country, the National League for Democracy, as well as other minor parties. The highest organ in the country has been the State Peace and Development Council ever since the military coup. The Senior General Than Shwe is the chairman and also the head of state. Having been a British colony, the country has preserved some of British’s legal systems, but the regime now rules by decree so it might be a fair one.

Although there are other parties in the country, they are not treated fairly. Most leaders of the opposition parties are either imprisoned or put under house arrest to prevent them from going against the government. This has created fear amongst the people and thousands of people have quit their parties. Although the National League for Democracy won the election, but the convention was never convened.

Level of development

Despite being one of the wealthiest countries in the past under British’s colonial rule, after years of chaos, it is currently one of the poorest countries and has a growth rate of 2.9% in the economy, one of the slowest in the world. The country’s economy has suffered during the BSPP’s “Burmese Way to Socialism”, where the economy was under strict government control. After the coup in 1988 and when people regained confidence in Burma’s economy, the government did not honor the results of the election. This caused foreign investors to withdraw their money from Burma, and the U.S.A imposed sanctions against Burma. The government often gave fake statistics to the public and cancelled the reform which had been pushing through for the past few years. But there is a more serious problem in the country, inflation; it is indeed an obstacle for the economy to grow. Currently in Burma, there is a lack of infrastructure like railways and roads, which are necessary for trade to take place. Due to the ongoing protest against the government, investors can hardly be confident about investing in the country. This lack of investment has hindered Burma’s economic growth.

Will political structure of Burma work in other countries?

At the beginning after the military coup in 1998, many observers believed that Burma could become the first Asian Tiger in the region. However when the military government nullified the election results, people started to dislike the dictatorship rule in the country. So it is unlikely that any country in the world would like to have a military junta controlling the country. In a military government, it is very likely that the government will use violence against the protests. It is unlikely that any country would want this kind of government to be in control, as seen from the poverty of the people in Burma.

References

Burma (12/07)-Background Note-Burma. (2007, December). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/35910.htm.

Burma Issues - History of Burma. (n.d.). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.burmaissues.org/En/facts.html.

Lansner, T. R. (n.d). Burma History-. Retrieved March 26, 2008 from , Web site: http://journalism.berkeley.edu/projects/burma/history.html

CIA - The World Factbook -- Burma. (2008, March 20). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bm.html.

Politics of Burma - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (2008, March 9). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_Burma.

Shoot on Sight. (n.d.). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.witness.org/index.php?option=com_rightsalert&Itemid=178&task=view&alert_id=53v.

	Burma Burma was once under the control of British, during its colonial rule. It was also once a part of India. But Burma gained independent from India in 1937, and the Burmese National Army, led by Aung San, fought together with the Japanese in order to drive out the British during World War 2. But after realizing that the Japanese were trying to take over their country, he fought against the Japanese. During Burma’s first election, Aung San won the election with his party, the People's Freedom League, which aimed to set up a parliamentary democracy government. Although he was later assassinated, Burma gained independence in 1948 and was declared to be the Union of Burma. Burmese people in areas which were close to the borders of the new Union of Burma wanted to these areas to be part of Burma too, as they places were rich in teak and gems. When their demands were rejected, they staged rebellions. It came to an end when the UN used their army to restore peace. But this peace did not last for long; the constitution was abolished during a coup by General Ne Win. The Burma Socialist Programme Party put the country on the path to socialism; hence there were no free elections for 26 years. On 8th August 1988, there were thousands of university students protesting against the harsh rule of the socialist. The government responded with violence, killing many of the protesters. This led to another coup announced by the State Law and Order Restoration Council. Burma was thrown into a state of emergency, and more deaths occurred. An election was held in 1989 and the National League of Democracy was set up. Aung San Suu Kyi, who is daughter of Aung San, was elected as the leader of the party. Being the daughter of a well-known independence crusader, her party gained 80% of the seats. However, the ruling government nullified the results and refused to hand over power, and put her under house arrest. She was once released in 1995 and won the Nobel Peace Prize, but she was again arrested in 2000. After negotiations with the government, she was released again in 2002. There was another coup in 2004 and the government was taken over by General Soa Win. Issues in Burma The largest ethnic group in Burma is the Bamar which makes up about 68% of the whole population. The Shan and Kayin make up about 10% and 7% of the population respectively. However, these ethnic groups are only a proportion of the 135 ethnics groups recognized by the government. Burma is considered to be one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world. This is one of the main reasons that unrest is so observed often in the country. In August 2007, there were peaceful, pro-democracy protests by citizens and monks against the government and to oppose the current military regime. However the government put down the protests with violence. No media was allowed in the country, and news sites were blocked. Communication was completely cut down. The ethnic minorities in the country lived in constant fear after the army burnt down their villages. This turned the world’s attention on the country; and many organizations voiced objection towards the government’s violent crackdown on the protesters. Structure of Government Burma’s leader is the military junta, which means that the military has the control of the government. After the military coup in 1988, the constitution was suspended. Although there was an election held after the junta took over, the result of the election was not recognized by the government. The convention was reconvened in 2004, but in the absence of their primary opposition party in the country, the National League for Democracy, as well as other minor parties. The highest organ in the country has been the State Peace and Development Council ever since the military coup. The Senior General Than Shwe is the chairman and also the head of state. Having been a British colony, the country has preserved some of British’s legal systems, but the regime now rules by decree so it might be a fair one. Although there are other parties in the country, they are not treated fairly. Most leaders of the opposition parties are either imprisoned or put under house arrest to prevent them from going against the government. This has created fear amongst the people and thousands of people have quit their parties. Although the National League for Democracy won the election, but the convention was never convened. Level of development Despite being one of the wealthiest countries in the past under British’s colonial rule, after years of chaos, it is currently one of the poorest countries and has a growth rate of 2.9% in the economy, one of the slowest in the world. The country’s economy has suffered during the BSPP’s “Burmese Way to Socialism”, where the economy was under strict government control. After the coup in 1988 and when people regained confidence in Burma’s economy, the government did not honor the results of the election. This caused foreign investors to withdraw their money from Burma, and the U.S.A imposed sanctions against Burma. The government often gave fake statistics to the public and cancelled the reform which had been pushing through for the past few years. But there is a more serious problem in the country, inflation; it is indeed an obstacle for the economy to grow. Currently in Burma, there is a lack of infrastructure like railways and roads, which are necessary for trade to take place. Due to the ongoing protest against the government, investors can hardly be confident about investing in the country. This lack of investment has hindered Burma’s economic growth. Will political structure of Burma work in other countries? At the beginning after the military coup in 1998, many observers believed that Burma could become the first Asian Tiger in the region. However when the military government nullified the election results, people started to dislike the dictatorship rule in the country. So it is unlikely that any country in the world would like to have a military junta controlling the country. In a military government, it is very likely that the government will use violence against the protests. It is unlikely that any country would want this kind of government to be in control, as seen from the poverty of the people in Burma. References Burma (12/07)-Background Note-Burma. (2007, December). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/35910.htm. Burma Issues - History of Burma. (n.d.). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.burmaissues.org/En/facts.html. Lansner, T. R. (n.d). Burma History-. Retrieved March 26, 2008 from , Web site: http://journalism.berkeley.edu/projects/burma/history.html CIA - The World Factbook -- Burma. (2008, March 20). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bm.html. Politics of Burma - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (2008, March 9). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_Burma. Shoot on Sight. (n.d.). Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.witness.org/index.php?option=com_rightsalert&Itemid=178&task=view&alert_id=53v.
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A to Z government systems A system where a Government is unnecessary and undesirable whichmeans that everything is based on voluntary cooperation by individuals and groups A system where a Government is unnecessary and undesirable which means that everything is based on voluntary cooperation by individuals and groups One person who has absolute rule over a country or a state and is usually hereditary or they claim as being given divine right with or without advisors. A system combining Anarchism and capitalism A system where there is no State or capitalism A system combing Anarchism and savagery where savagery means acceptance comes easily. A system where there are no hierarchies such as political or economic hierarchies. A system where labour is emphasized and thus it has trade unions that replace the State A system where there is more democratic decision-making A government with only a few people who are thought to be best qualified. A system where the people vote on the legislation and executive bills instead of electing leaders to do it for them. A concentration of power in a leader who is not constitutionally responsible to the people A one person government. A system that is ruled by enlightened monarchs. A system that is suitable for Islams as this system represents the political unity of the Muslims A system that combines republic and capitalism together. A system where the health of the community is the first priority A system where there is no such thing as a private property because the goods are owned by the government and is available to anyone if needed A system where many opinions are taken into consideration before making decisions The system of Constitutional Monarchy has a Head of State that does not change as the governments change and a Government. Only the elected Officials can pass laws, the Head of State acts as an advisor to the Officials. Leaders are elected by the people but the leaders have a limited power over the people and must go according to constitutional laws A system where there are civic assemblies which represents the country's economic, social, industry and cultural aspects A system where the making of laws must arise from the public if not the law cannot be approved. A system where there is democratic representations in a country without the use of elections. A democratic republic is a country where there is freedom of speech, election and press. A system where two rulers have equal shared absolute power over the country Government organization or group in with unlimited power A true democratic system where the people elect their leaders System where ruler with absolute power over the country. A system similar to that of tyranny where all is controlled by one man. A system ruled by dukes or duchesses A system combining Anarchism but with saving the environment as their first priority. A monarchy whose ruler is elected by the people. A monarchy that is Arab-suited A system that concentrates on the society's welfare as a whole and thus seeks patriotism. A system used by the medieval age where warriors and nobility rule. A system where the oldest are the leaders A system ruled by grand dukes or grand duchesses A system where the power lies with the loser level of government such as the name suggests, grassroots A system for the Jews because non-Jews would not be granted full citizenship. A monarchy where the kingship is passed to the sons when the father dies. A system with the Pope as its leader. A system where the people elect their leaders but the leaders have the freedom to do what they want. A system combining democracy with a religion, Islam A name that is given to many Muslim countries Government by those who want power and personal gain. A system where judges rule and rules by natural rights A system where judges rule but based on the judges opinions A system where the people elect the leaders to make decisions for them. A system which emphasizes on liberty, freedom for the people. A system where absolute power is given to magicians and wizards A government where females rule. Government by those with talent. A system where military force is used to establish freedom and liberty. A military-based government that has absolute rule over the country A system combining oligarchy, democracy and monarchy. A democratic system where there are no government parties. A small group which makes up the government which is usually corrupted and do things for their own sake. Government by the majority. A system where the people are allowed to coose whatever government system they want. A system similar to the parliamentary system except that the head of state does not have that much power. A system where the parliament checks on the executive branch of the government A system where voting is limited and where politicians take care of the governing of the country A system where the people vote on the legislation and executive bills instead of electing leaders to do it for them. Timocracy, Government controlled by the rich. A state where government uses police by means to control the life of the citizens. A monarchy where the monarch's title is linked to the people. A system where the executive branch is independent of the legislative branch. A monarchy where the monarch's title is prince A system combining democracy and religion A system where the government is elected by the people and the government has the responsibility in acting in people's interest. A system where there is restricted democracy A system where robots rule One person who proclaims himself as king which would usually lead to hereditary monarchy. A system similar to that of a presidential system except for the fact that the president and prime minister gets involved in everyday decision-making. A system where there is only 1 government party running the country and no other party is allowed to enter for elections. A system combining socialism and democracy A system that emphasizes on socialism that also has aspects of free market in its economy. A democratic system where workers are represented in government too. A system where the rulers are those highly-skilled and qualified. Maritime (relating to navigation or commerce on the sea) government Government of a state by divine rule, usually by people who are guided by the deities Government of a state by God. A democratic system where the leader is elected but has absolute rule. Absolute state which the people must follow orders from. Tribalism existed during the time of primitive men. Thus, it has a sense of primitive in it. However, it also emphasizes on communism and equality. A government ruled by an oppressive and severely unjust ruler. A system with administrative divisions governed by a person who is governed by the viceroy. A system combining democracy and parliamentary system which is somewhat similar to the United nations is adopting Auto: Manual: Drag Me