The republic that Atat rk founded and subsequent leaders have shaped is radically different from the imperial society of the Ottoman Empire.
Turkey is a parliamentary democracy.
The Turkish constitution establishes the Republic of Turkey as a democratic, secular and social state, governed by the rule of law and respecting fundamental human rights and freedoms. Turkish women gained the right to vote in 1934, well ahead of women in many other European countries. The Turkish president is the country's head of state, but he also has important governmental powers. He signs bills passed by the Grand National Assembly or may return them for reconsideration. He may call a referendum on certain issues relating to the constitution.