How have the Philippines and Indonesia become more democratic in recent decades?
(1 point)
Responses
The military led coups to seize power.
The military led coups to seize power.
Dictators imposed new constitutions.
Dictators imposed new constitutions.
Civil wars divided the countries between governments.
Civil wars divided the countries between governments.
Popular movements demanded and won elected governments.
Popular movements demanded and won elected governments.
Correct answer: Popular movements demanded and won elected governments.
In recent decades, both the Philippines and Indonesia have undergone significant democratization processes. One of the main factors contributing to this has been the emergence of popular movements demanding and successfully achieving the establishment of elected governments. These movements, consisting of diverse segments of society, including civil society organizations, activists, and ordinary citizens, have fought for greater political participation, human rights, and accountability.
In the Philippines, the people power movement in 1986 played a crucial role in ending the authoritarian regime of President Ferdinand Marcos. This movement, characterized by mass protests and civil disobedience, eventually led to the installation of a democratic government under President Corazon Aquino.
Similarly, in Indonesia, the fall of President Suharto's dictatorship in 1998 was the result of sustained pressures by pro-democracy movements and student activists. These movements, collectively known as the Reformasi movement, successfully called for an end to the authoritarian regime and the establishment of democratic reforms.
Both countries have since held regular elections, allowing for greater political pluralism and the peaceful transfer of power. Additionally, constitutional amendments have been made in both nations to expand civil liberties, promote inclusivity, and strengthen democratic institutions.
Overall, while the Philippines and Indonesia have faced challenges and setbacks along the way, the role of popular movements in demanding and winning elected governments has been instrumental in their progress towards democracy.
Popular movements demanded and won elected governments.
To understand how the Philippines and Indonesia have become more democratic in recent decades, we can look at the history and significant events that have shaped their political systems.
In the case of the Philippines, the country experienced a shift towards democracy in the late 1980s. During this period, a peaceful people-led revolution, known as the People Power Revolution, took place in 1986. This revolution was a response to years of authoritarian rule under President Ferdinand Marcos. Met with widespread public opposition, Marcos was forced to step down and go into exile, leading to the end of his dictatorship. Following this political transition, the Philippines eventually adopted a new constitution in 1987, which provided for democratic institutions, including regular elections and a separation of powers among a president, a bicameral legislature, and an independent judiciary. Since then, the Philippines has held regular elections and seen several peaceful transfers of power, solidifying its democratic trajectory.
Similarly, Indonesia has also experienced a transition towards democracy in recent decades. Under the authoritarian rule of President Suharto, who came to power after a military-backed coup in 1965, Indonesia went through a long period of restricted political freedoms. However, as the country faced a severe financial crisis in the late 1990s, there was a groundswell of popular discontent and a growing demand for political reform. In 1998, mass protests erupted across the country, leading to Suharto's resignation.
After Suharto's departure, Indonesia went through a period of political transition, which included the drafting of a new democratic constitution. The new constitution, adopted in 1999, established a framework for a multi-party system, regular elections, and a separation of powers. Since then, Indonesia has held several national elections, with peaceful transfers of power, allowing for increased participation and representation of its citizens.
In both the Philippines and Indonesia, popular movements played a significant role in demanding and achieving democratic reforms. These movements highlighted the desire for greater political freedom, transparency, and accountability. The subsequent adoption of new constitutions in both countries provided the legal framework for democratic governance, including the establishment of regular elections and the protection of individual rights.
It is important to note that while progress has been made towards democracy in both the Philippines and Indonesia, challenges remain, and the consolidation of democratic institutions takes time and effort.