Provisional Constitution

Definition

The provisional constitution refers to the temporary set of laws and principles established by the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea in 1919, following Korea's annexation by Japan. This constitution aimed to provide a framework for governance and embody the aspirations of Korean independence, reflecting the desire for democratic governance and national sovereignty during a time of foreign occupation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The provisional constitution was adopted in April 1919 during the establishment of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea in Shanghai, China.
2. It emphasized democratic ideals such as popular sovereignty, civil rights, and a separation of powers within government.
3. The document included provisions for a National Assembly to represent the Korean people and legislate on their behalf.
4. Despite its aspirations, the provisional constitution faced challenges in implementation due to lack of resources and recognition by other nations.
5. The ideas expressed in the provisional constitution influenced future discussions on democracy and governance in Korea, particularly during its liberation after World War II.

Review Questions

• How did the provisional constitution reflect the aspirations of the Korean people during the Japanese occupation?
  • The provisional constitution was designed to embody the hopes and desires of Koreans for independence and self-governance. It included democratic principles such as civil rights and popular sovereignty, which contrasted sharply with the authoritarian nature of Japanese rule. By establishing a framework for governance, it not only articulated the vision of a free Korea but also sought to unite various nationalist factions under a common goal.
• What were some key features of the provisional constitution, and how did they aim to promote democratic governance in Korea?
  • Key features of the provisional constitution included the establishment of a National Assembly, a declaration of civil rights, and a commitment to separation of powers. These elements were meant to ensure that governance would be representative and accountable to the Korean people. By creating institutions designed for democracy, it laid a foundational blueprint for future political structures post-independence, even though it faced practical challenges during its implementation.
• Evaluate the impact of the provisional constitution on Korea's future political developments after World War II.
  • The provisional constitution significantly shaped Korea's future political landscape by introducing concepts of democracy and national sovereignty that would resurface during discussions about governance after World War II. The aspirations articulated in this document influenced both South Korea's establishment as a democratic state and North Korea's communist regime's claims of legitimacy. Moreover, it set a precedent for constitutionalism in Korea, as leaders reflected on its principles when crafting new constitutions in the subsequent decades.

Related terms

Provisional Government: The government established in 1919 by Korean nationalists in response to Japanese colonial rule, aiming to restore Korean independence through international support.

Independence Movement: A series of efforts and activities by Koreans seeking to achieve independence from Japanese colonial rule, including protests, uprisings, and the establishment of the Provisional Government.

March 1st Movement: A significant nationwide protest for Korean independence that took place on March 1, 1919, which played a crucial role in galvanizing international awareness and support for Korea's plight.