Section 2: Governments
South Asia’s Governments
Afghanistan
• Constitutional monarchy established by 1964 constitution
- collapses in 1973 due to coup; USSR invades in 1979
• Soviet troops leave in 1989; Afghani Communist government overthrown
• Islamic republic fails; Taliban—fundamentalist Muslims—take over
- enforce strict rules and punishments, especially on women
• Taliban harbor terrorists, are overthrown by U.S.-led force in 2001
Bangladesh
• Independent from Pakistan in 1971, forms parliamentary government
• Military has taken over government several times since 1975
Bhutan
• Once ruled by both religious, political leaders
• Now has king, also assembly to pass laws, king-appointed Council of
Ministers
The Maldives
• Independent from Britain in 1965, becomes republic
• Most of Citizens’ Council is elected; judges follow Islamic law
Nepal
• As constitutional monarchy since 1962, political parties are banned
- parties allowed in 1990s—they create new constitution, parliament
Pakistan
• 1947 parliamentary government replaced by martial law in 1958
- under military control until 1988; today is a Muslim republic
• Citizens disagree whether Islamic rule is unifying or divisive
Sri Lanka
• Two-party presidential democracy since 1948 independence from U.K.
The World’s Largest Democracy
India’s Government
• President is head of state, but prime minister runs government
• 1950 constitution protects rights, free speech, religion
The Changing Caste System
• Low, poor classes represented in government, can vote
• Dalits (“untouchables”) have power, but still seek full equality
Women in India
• Gain rights after independence, including vote, professional jobs
• Indira Gandhi becomes India’s first female prime minister in 1966
Village Life and Grass-roots Democracy
The Panchayat System
• Panchayat—village council that governs rural area
• Each village governs itself, collects taxes, provides services
- builds roads and wells, provides primary school education
Three Levels
• Panchayat levels:
- first level is village or group of small villages
- second is chiefs from 100 villages
- third is entire district
• The 3 million members include women (one-third), Dalits, minorities