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1. Definitions and concepts

2. Institutions of representative democracy

Definitions and concepts

In the National Youth and Sports Policy Document (Ulusal Gençlik ve Spor Politikası Belgesi), participation is defined as “being included in the social process in the broadest sense”. Starting from this definition, participation is not restricted only to political participation, but is also addressed in a broader perspective.

Despite some earlier attempts, the Republic of Türkiye switched to the multi-party system permanently in 1946. From this date on, young people have shown interest in institutions of representative democracy, especially political parties. Besides, young people have also been visible in daily life through active participation in social movements since the 1960s, and participation in social processes has become more organised with recent transformations in communication technologies.

Institutions of representative democracy

The government structure of Türkiye is based on the Constitution of the Republic of Türkiye (Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Anayasası). The Constitution sets out general principles related to the organisation of the administration, including central and local levels. 

Within this constitutional framework, Türkiye operates under the Presidential Government System. In the context of central administration, there are ministries and their related/affiliated bodies, together with provincial structures. In the context of local administrations, there are municipalities, provincial special administrations, villages and neighbourhoods.

The Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (Türkiye Büyük Millet Meclisi) is the constitutional state body with legislative power. It consists of 600 members of parliament elected in general elections (Constitution of the Republic of Türkiye (PDF)).

At local level, municipal councils are established under the Municipality Law No. 5393, and provincial councils exist within the provincial special administration system.