STRUCTURE OF THE STATE
Paraguay is a Republic whose fundamental law is the Constitution of 1992 that endorsed the return of democracy and political liberties to the country after the overthrow of the dictator Alfredo Stroessner in 1989. The Constitution specifies the rights and obligations of the citizens and establishes how the fundamental principles of liberty, equality and justice are the basis of the country's existence.
The Paraguayan state is organized into three independent powers: the legislative, executive and judicial. Congress exercises the legislative power. It is composed of the Senate and House of Commons. The President of the Republic who is elected by universal suffrage holds the executive power for a 5-year term. There is also a Vice President who can assume the Presidency in case of impediment, temporary absence or resignation.
The President and Vice President must have Paraguayan nationality and be more than 35 years of age. They are elected jointly and directly by the majority of votes in general elections. They cannot be reelected under any circumstances. The minimum voting age is 18.
Source: www.enciclonet.com (© Micronet)
Encarta Enciclopedy 99 (© Microsoft)
Translations and editing by: JoAnn Arbore Mainardi
