Type of Government in Venezuela
Venezuela is a former Spanish colony located along the northern coast of South America. It won its independence from the nation of Gran Columbia after a series of wars from 1813 to 1830. It had a history of dictatorships dominated by the military until the pro-democracy movements of the late 1950s.
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Government Structure
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Venezuela's government is a federal republic that derives is authority from its 1999 constitution. The federal government is divided into multiple branches with different areas of responsibilities. The powers of government are not shared equally among these branches.
Executive Branch
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The most power branch of the government is the executive branch, which is led by the president. The president is elected to a six-year term and, according to the 1999 Constitution, can be re-elected indefinitely. Cabinet ministers are appointed by the president and oversee day-to-day government operations. The president can alter the makeup of the cabinet at any time.
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Legislative Branch
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Venezuela's legislature is a unicameral body--a single chamber of representatives, whose 165 members are elected to five-year terms. The members of the legislature are referred to as deputies, and may be re-elected to two additional terms.
Judicial Branch
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The judicial branch is comprised of a 32-member supreme court and various lower courts. Supreme court members are elected to one 12-year term by the legislature.
Citizens Branch
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This branch is made up of an attorney general, a comptroller general and an ombudsman who are responsible for addressing matters before the supreme court that they believe to violate the constitution. Members are appointed by the legislature.
Electoral Power Branch
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This group of five individuals is appointed by the legislature to organize all elections. Their term is of office is seven years.
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