SECRET

Ayt 6h)e>-He-had extensive emergency decree powers, (e.g., “civil war",
Const 1948, Art 57) could initiate legislation himself or through his Ad-
ministration, and had the power of veto. (Const 1948, Art 4,0).

The President, am, in his absence or jnability, the Vice-President
(Const 1948, Art 52), was head of the executive branch and Korea's repre~
sentative in foreign relations. (Const 1948, Art 51). After the amend-
ments of July 1952, the President and Vice-President were directly elected,
but by separate votes (Const 1948, Art 53), unlike our own President and

Vice-President. One re-election was permitted. (Const 1948, Art 55).

The President could issue orders and decrees "necessary for the en-
forcement of laws « « » within the framework of the powers delegated to

him by law." (Const 1948, Art 58).

Unlike our own cabinet, which is entirely a matter of custom and
statute, the Korean "Council of State" is the subject of express Consti-
tutional provision. Under the First Republic, the State Council was a
body of from eight to fifteen members appointed by the President (Const
1948, Art 69), and included the heads of Ministries (Const 1948, Art 73);
subject to the requirement of resignation upon a vote of nonconfidence by

the House of Representatives. (Const 1948, Art 70-II). The Council reach!

its decisions by majority vote, with the President apparently voting only

sn case of a tie (Const 1948, Art 71), and a broad range of matters (é.Re5
fundamental plans ami policies concerning state affairs) was required to
be submitted to the State Council for its decision (Const 1948, Art 72)3

hewever, the President was not bound by the decisions of the State Council,

SECRET