Venezuelan Public Power Structure and Government Branches

Summary

This document outlines the structure of public power in Venezuela, covering state, municipal, executive, legislative, judicial, citizen and electoral bodies. It lists the main functions of each branch and the basic requirements for holding office, such as age, nationality and term length. It also briefly describes the powers of the national government in security, defense and foreign policy.

Key points

State power organizes public powers, enacts the state budget, legalizes state competition and maintains land routes.
Governors must be over 26 years old and serve a 4-year term.
Municipal power covers public services, environmental protection, primary health care and urban traffic, through a Municipal Chamber with a 4-year term.
The Executive is formed by the President, the Vice President, Ministers and Vice Ministers; the President must be Venezuelan by birth, over 30 years old, serve 6 years and hold no other nationality.
The Legislative Branch's representatives and deputies must be over 21 years old, have 15 years of residence in Venezuela and serve 6 years at the national level.
The Judiciary's magistrates serve 12 years and must be Venezuelan with a good reputation; they exercise constitutional jurisdiction and may decide whether to prosecute the President.
The Citizen Power, formed by the Defender of the Town, the Attorney General and the Comptroller General, protects human rights and indigenous rights and inspects state bodies.

Test yourself

State Power

1) Organization: Organization of the state public powers.
2) Budget: Enact the law of the state budget.
3) Legalization: Legalize the field of state competition.
4) Infrastructure: Conservation of the land routes.
5) Governor Requirements: Must be over 26 years old; duration of 4 years.

Municipal Power

1) Public Services: Electricity, gas, cemetery, among others.
2) Environmental Protection: Urban sanitation and home services.
3) Health: Salubrity and primary health care.
4) Traffic: Urban traffic is represented by the Municipal Chamber with a term of 4 years.

Executive Branch

1) Formation: Formed by the President of the Republic, the Vice President, and the Vice Ministers and Ministers (chosen by the President of the Republic).
2) Requirements: Must be Venezuelan by birth, older than 30 years, for a period of 6 years, and have no other nationality.
3) Actions: Direct government action to grant pardons.
4) Eligibility: To be President, one cannot have convictions.

Legislative Branch

1) Representatives and Deputies: Requirements include 15 years of residence in Venezuela, being over 21 years old, and living 4 years in the corresponding entity (Federal Entity). Duration: 6 years at the national level.
2) Functions: Proposed amendments and reforms, promote citizen participation, decree amnesties, and organize internal security services.

Judiciary

Representatives: Magistrates.
Requirements: 1) Venezuelan nationality only, and have a good reputation.
Powers (Duration 12 years): Exercise constitutional jurisdiction, hear actions of appeal, decide whether to prosecute the President of the Republic, and declare the nullity of partial regulations.

Citizen Power

1) Formation: Formed by the Defender of the Town, the Attorney General, and the Comptroller General of the Republic. The role of the Defender of the Town is to run defense policies for the protection of human rights.
2) Indigenous Rights: Ensure the rights of indigenous people.
3) Inspection: To inspect state establishments and bodies.
4) Sanctions: Apply sanctions for human rights violations.
Requirements: Must be at least 30 years old, enjoy a good reputation, and have experience in office.

National Electoral Council (CNE)

1) Constitution: The CNE regulates electoral laws, declares elections invalid, directs civil and voter registration, and organizes elections and unions.

National Power

Powers: Security, defense, and national development; organization of the national armed forces; and international politics of the Republic.

FAQ

How long is the term of the President of the Republic according to this document?

The President of the Republic serves a period of 6 years. The President must be Venezuelan by birth, be over 30 years old and have no other nationality.

What are the requirements to be a governor?

A governor must be over 26 years old and serves a term of 4 years.

Who forms the Citizen Power?

The Citizen Power is formed by the Defender of the Town, the Attorney General and the Comptroller General of the Republic.