Civil Society, State, Government, and Sovereignty in Bhutan

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the concepts of Civil Society Organizations, differences between State and Government, sovereign historical milestones, the constitutional roles of the Druk Gyalpo, and the Principles of State Policy in Bhutan.

Civil Society

The non-partisan and non-profit sector (often called the 'third sector' or 'third space') that provides social, economic, and humanitarian services to citizens where the government and private sector do not reach.

Third Sector

A term for civil society that distinguishes it from the political government sector and the profit-oriented private/market sector.

CSO Act of 2007

Legislation enacted in Bhutan requiring registered Civil Society Organisations to be non-profit, prohibiting them from distributing income or profits to members, founders, donors, directors, or trustees.

National Youth Association of Bhutan (NYAB)

A voluntary group formed in 1973 under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Azhi Dechen Wangmo Wangchuck.

National Women's Association of Bhutan (NWAB)

An organization established in 1981 by Her Royal Highness Azhi Sonam Choden Wangchuck to promote gender equality.

Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN)

An organization established in 1987 by His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, with Crown Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck as its patron.

Youth Development Fund (YDF)

An organization established in 1998 under the command of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and the patronage of Her Majesty the Queen Mother Tshering Pem Wangchuck.

Tarayana Foundation

A foundation established in 2003 under the patronage of Her Majesty the Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck.

State

An abstract, permanent geographic entity that revels in sovereignty, contains four essential elements (population, government, territory, sovereignty), includes the entire population as members, and grants rights to citizens.

Government

A temporary, physical organization that formulates, articulates, and enforces the law of a state through three essential elements (legislature, judiciary, and execution) and protects citizens' rights.

Fixed Territory

One of the four essential features of a state, defined as a clearly demarcated geographic area bounded by borders symbolizing where one state ends and another begins.

Sovereignty

The supreme power and authority of a state to make its own decisions, policies, reforms, and manage public/external affairs with minimal or no interference from other states.

Legislative Power

The power of the government to make laws, decisions, and policies at the national level.

Executive Power

The power of the government to enforce laws and administer them to the people and the country.

Judicial Power

The power of the government to interpret laws, resolve conflicts, explain legal meanings, and pass recommendations for legal changes to the legislature.

Sovereign State (International Law Definition)

An independent entity defined by international law as having a permanent population, defined territory, one government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other sovereign states.

Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal

The historical leader who founded Bhutan as a nation-state in the 17th century.

Treaty of Sinchula

A treaty signed in 1865 between the government of Bhutan and the British government following the Duar Wars.

Treaty of Punakha

A 1910 treaty signed with British India under Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck (First Druk Gyalpo) that reinforced Bhutan's sovereignty.

Bhutan-India Friendship Treaty of 1949

A treaty signed by His Majesty Jigme Wangchuck (Second Druk Gyalpo) and independent India that symbolized India's recognition of Bhutan as a sovereign state (revised in 2007).

Chhoe-sid

The dual system of religious and secular traditions in Bhutan, held and protected by the Druk Gyalpo as Head of State.

Royal Prerogatives

Constitutional powers exercised by the Druk Gyalpo, including awarding titles/decorations, granting citizenship and land kidu, granting amnesty, commanding bills in Parliament, and exercising powers not provided by other laws.

Principles of State Policy

Constitutional guidelines enshrined in Article 9 of the Constitution of Bhutan that direct the government to formulate laws and policies for the prosperity, rights, and well-being of the people.