The Constitution of the Republic of China

"The Republic of China, founded on the Three Principles of the People, shall be a democratic republic of the people, to be governed by the people and for the people." (Article 1, Constitution of the Republic of China)


The Constitution

The Republic of China Constitution is based on the principles of nationalism, democracy, and social well-being formulated by Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of the Republic of China. His political doctrine is known as the Three Principles of the People.

The Principle of Nationalism postulates the equal treatment and sovereign status for the Republic of China internationally as well as equality for all ethnic groups within the nation. The Principle of Democracy, assuring each citizen the right to exercise political and civil liberties, is the foundation for the organization and structure of the ROC government. The Principle of Social Well-being indicates that the powers granted to the government must ultimately serve the welfare of the people by building a prosperous economy and a just society. The three principles have extensively shaped current policies and legislation in many areas, such as education, land reforms, social welfare, and relations with mainland China. More recently, they have contributed heavily to political and economic liberalization.

The Constitution delineates the rights, duties, and freedoms of the people, the overall direction for political, economic, and social policies, and the organization and structure of the government.

Constitutional Rights and Freedoms

The ROC Constitution guarantees various rights and freedoms to all citizens. Modeled after American constitutional concepts, the rights include equality, work, livelihood, and property, as well as the four political powers of election, recall, initiative, and referendum. The people have the duty to pay taxes and perform military service as prescribed by law. Obtaining an education is considered both a right and a duty of the people.

The people are also entitled to the freedoms of speech, residence, travel, assembly, confidential communication, religion, and association. Personal freedom is also guaranteed. Rights and freedoms not specified in the Constitution are also protected, if they do not violate social order and public interest.