National Assembly (South Korea)

Overview

The National Assembly of South Korea (대한민국 국회) is the unicameral legislative body of the Republic of Korea. Established in 1948, it is responsible for enacting laws, approving budgets, and overseeing the executive branch. The National Assembly operates under a constitutional framework that ensures the separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Structure and Composition

The National Assembly is composed of 300 members, known as National Assembly members or lawmakers. These members are elected through a mixed electoral system that combines first-past-the-post and proportional representation. Of the 300 seats, 253 are filled through direct elections in single-member districts, while the remaining 47 are allocated based on party lists to ensure proportional representation.

Leadership

The leadership of the National Assembly includes the Speaker, Deputy Speakers, and various committee chairs. The Speaker is elected by the members of the National Assembly and serves a two-year term. The Speaker's role is to preside over sessions, maintain order, and represent the Assembly in external affairs. Two Deputy Speakers assist the Speaker and are also elected by the members.

Legislative Process

The legislative process in the National Assembly involves several stages, including the introduction of bills, committee review, plenary sessions, and presidential assent.

Introduction of Bills

Bills can be introduced by members of the National Assembly, the executive branch, or through citizen petitions. Once introduced, bills are assigned to relevant committees for detailed examination.

Committee Review

The National Assembly has several standing committees, each specializing in different policy areas such as finance, foreign affairs, and education. Committees review bills, hold hearings, and make amendments before forwarding them to the plenary session.

Plenary Sessions

During plenary sessions, all members of the National Assembly debate and vote on bills. A bill must pass three readings before it can be sent to the President for assent. The first reading involves a general debate, the second reading focuses on detailed examination and amendments, and the third reading is the final vote.

Presidential Assent

Once a bill passes the National Assembly, it is sent to the President for approval. The President can either sign the bill into law, veto it, or request reconsideration. If the President vetoes a bill, the National Assembly can override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote.

Committees

The National Assembly operates through a system of standing and special committees. Standing committees are permanent and cover broad policy areas, while special committees are temporary and focus on specific issues.

Standing Committees

Some of the key standing committees include:

Special Committees

Special committees are established to address urgent or specialized issues. These committees are dissolved once their tasks are completed.

Functions and Powers

The National Assembly has several key functions and powers, including legislative, budgetary, and oversight responsibilities.

Legislative Functions

The primary function of the National Assembly is to enact laws. This includes drafting, debating, and passing legislation that governs various aspects of South Korean society.

Budgetary Functions

The National Assembly reviews and approves the national budget. This involves scrutinizing government expenditures, revenues, and financial policies to ensure fiscal responsibility.

Oversight Functions

The National Assembly exercises oversight over the executive branch through various mechanisms, including hearings, investigations, and audits. This ensures accountability and transparency in government operations.

Historical Development

The National Assembly has undergone significant changes since its establishment in 1948. Initially, it operated under the First Republic, characterized by a strong presidential system. Over the years, constitutional amendments and political reforms have shaped the current structure and functions of the Assembly.

First Republic (1948-1960)

During the First Republic, the National Assembly had limited powers, with the President holding significant authority. The Assembly's role was primarily advisory, with limited legislative and oversight functions.

Second Republic (1960-1961)

The Second Republic marked a shift towards a parliamentary system, with increased powers for the National Assembly. However, this period was short-lived due to a military coup in 1961.

Third Republic (1963-1972)

The Third Republic saw the re-establishment of a presidential system, but with enhanced legislative powers for the National Assembly. This period also witnessed the introduction of proportional representation.

Fourth Republic (1972-1981)

The Fourth Republic was characterized by the Yushin Constitution, which granted extensive powers to the President. The National Assembly's role was significantly diminished during this period.

Fifth Republic (1981-1987)

The Fifth Republic introduced reforms that strengthened the National Assembly's legislative and oversight functions. This period also saw increased political pluralism and democratization.

Sixth Republic (1987-Present)

The Sixth Republic, established in 1987, marked the transition to a fully democratic system. The National Assembly gained significant powers, including the ability to impeach the President and conduct comprehensive oversight of the executive branch.

Electoral System

The National Assembly's electoral system is a combination of first-past-the-post and proportional representation. This mixed system ensures both local representation and proportionality in the legislative body.

First-Past-The-Post

In the first-past-the-post system, 253 members are elected from single-member districts. The candidate with the most votes in each district wins the seat.

Proportional Representation

The remaining 47 seats are allocated based on party lists. Parties submit lists of candidates, and seats are distributed proportionally based on the total number of votes each party receives nationwide.

Political Parties

South Korea has a multi-party system, with several major parties and numerous smaller parties. The major parties include:

Legislative Sessions

The National Assembly holds regular and extraordinary sessions. Regular sessions are held annually, while extraordinary sessions can be convened as needed.

Regular Sessions

Regular sessions typically begin in September and last for 100 days. During these sessions, the National Assembly reviews the national budget, enacts legislation, and conducts oversight activities.

Extraordinary Sessions

Extraordinary sessions can be called by the President or by one-fourth of the National Assembly members. These sessions address urgent issues or specific legislative needs.

Legislative Achievements

The National Assembly has enacted numerous significant laws and reforms over the years. Some notable legislative achievements include:

Challenges and Criticisms

The National Assembly faces several challenges and criticisms, including political polarization, legislative gridlock, and corruption.

Political Polarization

Political polarization between major parties often leads to legislative gridlock, making it difficult to pass significant reforms.

Legislative Gridlock

Legislative gridlock occurs when opposing parties are unable to reach consensus, resulting in stalled legislation and delayed policy implementation.

Corruption

Corruption remains a persistent issue, with several high-profile cases involving lawmakers. Efforts to combat corruption include stricter regulations and increased transparency.

Future Directions

The National Assembly continues to evolve, with ongoing efforts to enhance its legislative efficiency, transparency, and public trust.

Legislative Reforms

Proposed legislative reforms aim to streamline the legislative process, reduce gridlock, and improve the quality of legislation.

Transparency and Accountability

Efforts to increase transparency and accountability include the introduction of open data initiatives, public access to legislative proceedings, and stricter ethical standards for lawmakers.

Public Engagement

The National Assembly seeks to enhance public engagement through various initiatives, including online platforms, public consultations, and educational programs.