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Paraguay Government
Paraguay is governed under a 1992 constitution that gives much power to the president but limits each holder of the office to one term.
Executive
The head of state and chief executive official of Paraguay is a president, who is elected to a single five-year term by a simple majority vote of the electorate. A vice president is elected concurrently under the same conditions. The president is assisted by a council of ministers and is advised by a council of state.
Legislature
Paraguay’s bicameral national legislature is made up of a 45-member senate and an 80-member chamber of deputies. The political party receiving the most votes in legislative elections receives two-thirds of the seats in each chamber, and the remaining third is divided proportionally among the other contending parties. Legislators serve terms of up to five years.
Political Parties
The leading political organization in Paraguay is the Asociación Nacional Republicana, known as the Colorado Party. Other groups include the Christian Democratic Party, the Liberal Radical Party, the Authentic Liberal Radical Party, and the Liberal Party.
Judiciary
The highest tribunal in Paraguay is the Supreme Court, made up of five judges chosen by the country’s president. Other judicial bodies include courts of appeal, courts of first instance, magistrates’ courts, and justices of the peace.
Defense
The armed forces have long dominated political institutions in Paraguay. In 2004 the country’s military included an army of 7,600 people, a navy of 1,600, and an air force of 1,100. Military service by males is compulsory for 18 to 24 months.
Local Government
Paraguay is divided into 17 departments (provinces), plus the capital district of Asunción. Fourteen of the departments are in Paraguay proper: Alto Paraná, Amambay, Caaguazú, Caazapá, Canendiyú, Central, Concepción, Cordillera, Guairá, Itapúa, Misiones, Ñeembucú, Paraguarí, and San Pedro. Three of the departments are in the Gran Chaco: Alto Paraguay, Boquerón, and Presidente Hayes. The departments are divided into districts, which are subdivided into municipalities and rural districts. |
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