ASEAN ASEAN Political Structure 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the highest decision-making body of ASEAN?
- The ASEAN Summit (Correct answer)
- The ASEAN Secretariat
- The ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting
- The ASEAN Coordinating Council
Correct answer: The ASEAN Summit
The ASEAN Summit, comprising heads of state or government of member countries, is the supreme policy-making body of ASEAN.
Question 2: How often does the ASEAN Summit formally meet under the ASEAN Charter?
- Twice a year (Correct answer)
- Once a year
- Every two years
- Four times a year
Correct answer: Twice a year
The ASEAN Charter mandates that the ASEAN Summit convene twice annually, hosted by the country holding the ASEAN Chairmanship.
Question 3: What is the role of the ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC)?
- Coordinate the work of the three ASEAN Community Councils and ASEAN Ministerial meetings (Correct answer)
- Manage the ASEAN Secretariat budget
- Approve ASEAN joint military exercises
- Oversee ASEAN tourism promotion
Correct answer: Coordinate the work of the three ASEAN Community Councils and ASEAN Ministerial meetings
The ACC, comprising ASEAN Foreign Ministers, coordinates among the Political-Security, Economic, and Socio-Cultural Community Councils.
Question 4: Where is the ASEAN Secretariat headquartered?
- Jakarta, Indonesia (Correct answer)
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Singapore
Correct answer: Jakarta, Indonesia
The ASEAN Secretariat, established in 1976, is located in Jakarta, Indonesia, and serves as the central administrative body of ASEAN.
Question 5: What principle guides ASEAN's decision-making process?
- Consensus (Correct answer)
- Majority voting
- Supermajority (two-thirds)
- Weighted voting by GDP
Correct answer: Consensus
ASEAN decisions are made by consensus, meaning all member states must agree, reflecting the ASEAN Way of non-interference and mutual respect.
Question 6: What is the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) primarily concerned with?
- Regional peace, stability, and security cooperation (Correct answer)
- Economic integration among members
- Cultural exchange programs
- Environmental protection
Correct answer: Regional peace, stability, and security cooperation
The APSC is one of ASEAN's three community pillars, focusing on political cooperation, conflict prevention, and regional security.
ASEAN ASEAN Political Structure 1
What is the highest decision-making body of ASEAN?