Argentina's Government: Representative, Republican, and Federal System

Argentina's Government Structure

Argentina's government is defined as representative, republican, and federal.

Representative Government

The village representatives are exclusively divided.

Republican Government

The republican system of government is founded on the principles of popular sovereignty, division of power, frequency of government, and public accountability of government actions.

Federal Government

As stated in Section 5, each province shall enact its own constitution under the representative, republican system, according to the national constitution. This ensures their administration of justice, municipal regime, and primary education.

Eligibility for Election

To be elected, individuals must be Argentine citizens or children of native citizens, and meet the conditions required to be a senator (more than 30 years old, 6 years of exercising citizenship).

Branches of Government

Executive Branch

The executive power is exercised by the President of the Nation. The Vice President replaces the President in case of sickness, absence, death, or resignation.

The President and Vice President are elected directly by the people through a second ballot system. The formulas for President and Vice President are voted on together in the whole country by political parties.

The term of office was modified by the constitutional reform of 1994. Previously, it was 6 years, but the reform allowed for immediate reelection. If the President wins the elections, they can serve as the executive for 8 years.

Judicial Branch

The judicial branch consists of the Council of the Judiciary and the Supreme Court.

To be a member, one must be a lawyer with a minimum of 8 years of experience and possess the qualities required to be a senator.

Members of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President with the agreement of the members of the Senate in an open session.

Other judges are appointed by the President with the consent of the Senate in an open session.

Judges maintain their positions during good behavior and cease to hold office only by death, resignation, or retirement. At the age of 65, a new appointment by the President with the agreement of the Senate is needed for a period of 5 years.

Powers of the Judiciary: Art 116, 117, 118, 119.

Legislative Branch

Legislative power is exercised by the National Congress, a bicameral body composed of a Chamber of Deputies and a Senate. Its members, congressmen and senators, represent the different voices, interests, and perspectives present in society.

Its mission is to initiate the constitutional process, enact laws, control the government exercised by the President (the Executive), represent the people of the Nation in the House of Representatives, and the provinces in the Senate.

Legal Protections

Habeas Corpus

Protects each person whose freedom is restricted or threatened.

Habeas Data

Allows individuals to access data or information about themselves that is contained in public records.

Collective Rights

Protects the environment, competition, users, consumers, and workers' rights in general.