Government Systems

South Africa became an established Republic on May 31, 1961, and ever since the end of Apartheid in 1993, the country has been a multiparty democracy, similar to the one of the United States. The government believed that if they introduced this type of government system it would help the country prosper and expand its economies. On November 1993, the citizens put into place an interim constitution decided by a multiparty negotiating forum. This constitution was put into place to guide the country through a transitional period of 5 years, and to determine a permanent government. The interim constitution provided for a democratic system, individual freedoms from a bill of rights, and 3 branches of government-the executive,legislative, and judiciary. The 3 branches were established so that the president would not have too much power, and that it would be distributed evenly; which is also very similar to the U.S government. After 5 years, the real constitution was adopted and its ideas were based off of the interim constitution for a nonracial democracy. The constitution also gives some local power along with its central power, creating local governments. In 1994, the country was divided out of its previous 4 provinces, giving each its own legislature. The provinces all have some sort of executive authority in areas such as roads, sports, and provincial planning. However, most of the decisions are made by leaders voted upon by citizens. http://worldgeography.abc-clio.com/Topics/Display/166?sid=1114856&cid=72&useConcept=False

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