Uruguay

Politics

Main article: Politics of Uruguay

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Uruguay's Constitution of 1967 created a strong presidency, subject to legislative and judicial checks. The president, who is both head of state and head of government, is elected by popular vote for a five-year term, with the vice president elected on the same ticket. Thirteen cabinet ministers, appointed by the president, head executive departments.

Related Topics:
Constitution - 1967 - Presidency - Legislative - Judicial - President - Head of state - Head of government - Popular vote - Cabinet - Executive

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The parliament is the bicameral General Assembly or Asamblea General, which consists of a 30-member senate (Cámara de Senadores), presided over by the vice president of the republic, and a 99-member Chamber of Representatives (Cámara de Representantes). Members for both houses are elected by popular vote for a five-year term.

Related Topics:
Parliament - Senate

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The highest court is the Supreme Court; below it are appellate and lower courts, and justices of the peace. In addition, there are electoral and administrative ("contentious") courts, an accounts court, and a military justice system.

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For most of Uruguay's history, the Colorado and Blanco parties have alternated in power. The elections of 2004, however, brought the Frente Amplio, a coalition of various leftist parties, to power with majorities in both houses of parliament and the election of President Tabaré Vázquez Rosas by an absolute majority.

Related Topics:
2004 - Frente Amplio - Tabaré Vázquez Rosas

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