Comparitive political systems questions on the government and Essay

Comparitive political systems questions on the government and constitutions of chile - Essay Example tries and four cabinet level agencies that serve exclusively at the presidents discretion.1,2 The president is responsible for maintaining public order, assuring external national security, and serving as commander in chief of the armed forces.3 In addition, the president has the sole authority to appoint Supreme Court judges, Army commanders, and diplomats without the confirmation of the legislature.4 Many of these broad presidential powers were granted by the constitution adopted in 1980.5 The Chilean legislature is a bicameral structure known collectively as the National Congress. It is composed of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, which co-legislate and share oversight responsibilities.6 These branches are noted as the lower and upper house. The Chilean legislature has a committee system that writes legislation and approves bills for voting. In addition, there is an amendment process that allows legislators and sometimes the presidential branch to offer amendments to bills before coming to a vote.7 The National Congress is presided over by the President of the Senate who is elected by the body of senators. In addition to the senators elected by public vote, groups such as former ministers of the Supreme Court, former Comptroller General, former Commanders in Chief of the Army, Navy and Air Force, and former Presidents of the Republic are also represented in the Senate.8 The executive branch may at times act as a legislature with the power to introduce bills, m ake amendments, and submit constitutional amendments.9 Chiles constitution, adopted in 1980, discusses at length the electoral system for the President as well as the National Congress. In addition, it determines the requirements of age and citizenship required to run for office. The Presidency requires that the candidate get an absolute majority of the popular vote, which may require a runoff election if there are more than two candidates.10 The legislature is also elected by direct ballot from