What Type Of Government Does The Dominican Republic Have?
The Dominican Republic is located in the Caribbean region. It covers an area of about 18,700 square miles and has a population of about 11 million people. The Dominican Republic is a representative democracy with three arms of power; the executive, legislature, and judiciary. It is also a multi-party state with municipal elections held every two years, alternating with the presidential election. The elections in the Dominican Republic have generally been free and fair since 1996 according to the International Observers.
The Political Culture Of The Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic formed its theory of independence, politics, and sovereignty in 1844 with the proclamation of the first constitution. The legislature was established as the most superior of the three branches of power while the judiciary was established as independent and the executive branch in charge of the state under the oversight of the other branches. The president of the Dominican Republic has been viewed as a symbol of national unity and as such is considered an impartial figure.
The Executive Branch Of The Government Of The Dominican Republic
The executive branch is responsible for the administration of the country under the guidance and oversight by the other two arms of government. The president serves as the head of state. The president together with the vice president is elected on a 4-year team by a popular vote. The president cannot be re-elected immediately but can run for the office in other election. The president has power over almost all appointments and dismissal of public officers. He or she can also suspend basic rights during an emergency and also declare a state of siege. The ministers and the sub-cabinet assist the president in public administration. The person appointed to the cabinet must be a Dominican citizen and must be 25 years old at the time of appointment. Ministers are responsible to the president and are agents of presidential authority.
The Legislative Branch Of The Government Of The Dominican Republic
The legislative branch is composed of a bicameral parliament referred to as National Congress which comprises of the upper and the lower houses are also known as the Senate and the Chambers of Deputies respectively. The Senate is made up of 32 members who serve for 4-year term while the Chambers of Deputies is made up of 178 members who are also elected to a 4-year term by a system of representation according to each of the provinces. The Senate’s functions include approving laws, appointing members to the Public Accounts Chamber, and to decide on some of the claims made by the Chamber of Deputies on public officials. Congress and municipal elections are held in a different year from the presidential elections
The Judicial Branch Of The Government Of The Dominican Republic
The judicial branch administers justice and ensures that all rights under the constitution are recognized, protected, and supervised. The highest court of the land is the Supreme Court of Justice. It constitutes 16 judges who are elected by the National Council of Magistrates appointed from the country’s three main political parties. Supreme Court evaluates appeals from other lower courts and supervises all judges within the territory of the Dominican Republic. Lower courts include the Court of Cessation and the Magistrate Courts. The judiciary also supervises the activities of the executive branch.
