Kenya, South Africa, and Sudan

SS7CG2a

The student will explain the structures of the modern governments of Africa.

Compare the republican systems of government in the Republic of Kenya and the Republic of South Africa to the dictatorship of the Republic of Sudan, distinguishing the form of leadership and role of the citizen in terms of voting and personal freedoms.

Republic of Kenya

Type of Government

REPUBLIC: a democracy in which the people's elected representatives, not the people themselves, vote on legislation.

Form of Leadership

PRESIDENT How does the president become the leader?

Elected by popular vote for a 5 year term with possible re-election for a second. The president must also win at least 25% of the vote in 5 of the 7 provinces.

Voting Rights

PRESIDENTIAL DEMOCRACY Universal (men and women) voting age 18

years and up

Personal Freedoms

Human rights have improved under the current president and are better than in most of Africa. However, freedom of speech is still limited somewhat and child labor is a problem. Corrupt and abusive national police are a problem as well.

Republic of South Africa

Type of Government

REPUBLIC: a democracy in which the people's elected representatives, not the people themselves, vote on legislation

Form of Leadership

PRESIDENT How does the president become the leader?

Elected by the National Assembly for a 5 year term with possible re-election for a second term.

Voting Rights

PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY Universal (men and women) voting age 18

years and up—vote for the National Assembly

Personal Freedoms

Human rights are generally respected in South Africa. However, there are still instances of racial violence, police brutality, and discrimination against women and children.

Republic of Sudan

Type of Government

GOVERNMENT OF NATIONAL UNITY This government serves as a dictatorship

since the military takeover in 1989.

Form of Leadership

PRESIDENT How does the president become the leader?

Elected by “popular vote.” Current president had been in power since 1989, and the last elections were held in 2000. The last elections were considered by most to be fixed (corrupt).

Voting Rights

PRESIDENTIAL DEMOCRACY Universal voting age 17 and up Legislative branch are all appointed by the

ruling party.

Personal Freedoms

Numerous reports of human rights violations throughout the country. Civil war abuses, ethnic cleansing, slavery, child soldiers, and prisoner abuse are just a tip of the iceberg.