POWERS OF THE STATE

We already know the meaning of “democracy”, but what does is it mean when we say that Chile is a “republic”?

Republics are countries where all the powers of the state are separate and independant from each other.

Chile, a Democratic Republic

How many powers of the state are there in Chile?3

Which are they?The Executive Branch in charge of the country

´s administration and represented by the President.

The Legislative Branch in charge of creating laws and monitoring the other 2 branches, represented by the National Congress.

The Judicial Branch in charge of applying justice and represented by the Supreme Court.

La Moneda, home for the Executive Branch

The National Congress, home for the Legislative Branch, Valparaiso

The Supreme Court, home for the Judicial Branch in Santiago de Chile

Characteristics of the Executive BranchThe President represents it for 4 years.S/he can be elected if s/he is 35 years or older

and has the right to vote.S/he can´t be reelected for the next period.S/he must be elected by popular, direct vote and

absolute majority (50% + 1) .If there is not absolute majority in the first

plebiscite, there is a second one with the 2 most voted candidates from the first election.

S/he chooses the Ministers of State who will help to govern.

MinistriesThere are different ministries and ministers

such as:Ministry of LabourMinistry of EducationMinistry of HealthMinistry of Transport, etc

The National Congress is composed of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies.

There are 38 senators and 120 deputies. Senators serve for 8 years and deputies for 4. Both

can be reelected for the next period.To become a senator, you have to be a citizen with

the right to vote, be 35 or more, possess a middle school education.

To become a deputy, you have to be a citizen with the right to vote, be older than 21, possess a middle school education and must have lived for at least 2 years in the place where you want to represent.

The Legislative Branch and the National Congress

The Municipality administrates the comuna where you live. It is led by the Mayor who is helped by the Municipal Council composed of Councellors.

The Mayor, the Municipal Councellors and the Regional Councellors (CORE) are all elected by popular vote every 4 years.

Municipal Elections

QUESTIONS

Who represents the Executive Branch?

The President

Who represents the Legislative Branch?

The National Congress

Who represents the Judicial Branch?The Supreme Court

What is the meaning of republic?Republics are countries where all the powers

of the state are separate and independant from each other

How many powers of the state are there in Chile?

3

Name the Powers of the StateExecutiveLegislativeJudicial

What is the Executive Branch in charge of?The Executive Branch in charge of the

country´s administration and represented by the President

What is the Legislative branch in charge of?

It is in charge of creating laws and monitoring the 2 other branches.

What is the Judicial branch in charge of?It is in charge of applying the laws.

Where is the Executive branch located?In La Moneda in Santiago de Chile

Where is the Legislative branch located?In the National Congress in Valparaiso

Where is the Judicial Branch located?In the Supreme Court in Santiago de

Chile

How many years does the president last?4 years

How old must s/he be to be elected president?35 years old or more

Can s/he be reelected for the next preriodNo

What happens if there is not absolute majority in the first plebiscite?

There is a second one with the 2 most voted candidates from the first election.

Name some Ministries (3 at least)

Ministry of LabourMinistry of EducationMinistry of HealthMinistry of Transport

What is the National Congress composed of?The National Congress is composed of the

Senate and the Chamber of Deputies.

How many senators and deputies are there?There are 38 senators and 120 deputies.

How long do senators serve?Senators serve for 8 years

How long do deputies serve?Deputies serve for 4 years.

Can senators or deputies be reelected for the next period?

Yes, both can be reelected for the next period.

Which are the requisites to become senator?To become a senator, you have to be a citizen with

the right to vote, be 35 or more, possess a middle school education.

Which are the requisites to become a deputy?To become a deputy, you have to be a citizen with

the right to vote, be older than 21, possess a middle school education and must have lived for at least 2 years in the place where you want to represent.

What does the municipality do?The Municipality administrates the comuna

where you live. Who leads the municipality?It is led by the MayorWho helps the Mayor?The Municipal Council composed of

Councellors.How long do the Mayor, the Municipal

Councellors and the Regional Councellors (CORE) last?

4 years.How are they elected? By popular vote

Which are some of the duties of the municipality?