Czech Republic

The Czech Republic (Czech: ?eská republika {{Audio|Cs-Ceska republika Cesko.ogg|listen}}) is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The republic borders Poland to the north, Germany to the northwest and west, Austria to the south, and Slovakia to the east. Although the Czech Republic is the youngest country in Europe, it offers many examples of old architecture such as historic Prague (Czech: Praha), a major tourist attraction, its capital and largest city. Other major cities include Brno, Ostrava, Plze?, Hradec Králové, ?eské Bud?jovice, and Ústí nad Labem.

Politics

Main article: Politics of the Czech Republic

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According to its constitution the Czech Republic is a parliamentary democracy, whose head of state is a president, indirectly elected every five years by the parliament. The president is also granted specific powers such as the right to nominate Constitutional Court judges, dissolve parliament under certain conditions, and enact a veto on legislation. He also appoints the prime minister, who sets the agenda for most foreign and domestic policy, as well the other members of the cabinet on a proposal by the prime minister.

Related Topics:
Constitution - Head of state - President - Prime minister - Cabinet

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The Czech parliament (Parlament) is bicameral, with a Chamber of Deputies (Poslanecká sn?movna) and a Senate (Senát). The 200 Chamber delegates are elected for 4-year terms, on the basis of proportional representation. The 81 members of the Czech Senate serve for 6-year terms with one-third being elected every 2 years on the basis of two-round majority voting.

Related Topics:
Parliament - Proportional representation

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The country's highest court of appeals is the Supreme Court. The Constitutional Court, which rules on constitutional issues, is appointed by the president, and its members serve 10-year terms.

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