Politics of Uruguay

Uruguay’s Constitution of 1967 created a strong presidency, subject to legislative and judicial controls. The president, who is both head of state and head of government, is elected by popular vote for a five-year term, with the vice president elected on the same ticket. Thirteen cabinet ministers, appointed by the president, head executive departments.

The parliament is the bicameral General Assembly or Asamblea General, which consists of a 30-member senate (Camara de Senadores), presided over by the vice president of the republic, and a 99-member Chamber of Representatives (Camara de Representantes). Members for both houses are elected by popular vote for a five-year term.

The highest court is the Supreme Court; below it are appellate and lower courts, and justices of the peace. In addition, there are electoral and administrative (”contentious”) courts, an accounts court, and a military justice system.

For most of Uruguay’s history, the Colorado and National parties have alternated in power. The elections of 2004, however, brought the Encuentro Progresista-Frente Amplio-Nueva Mayoria, a coalition of various leftist parties, to power with majorities in both houses of parliament and the election of President Tabare Vazquez Rosas by an absolute majority.

Uruguay is a country of many diverse people and cultures.

Uruguay is a democracy and representative republic with its capital in Montevideo.

Constitution: Uruguay’s first constitution was adopted in 1830, following the conclusion of a three year war in which Argentina and Uruguay acted as a regional federation. Sponsored by the the United Kingdom, the 1828 Treaty of Montevideo built the foundations for an Uruguayan state and constitution.

Attempts to reform the 1830 constitution in 1966 led to the adoption of an entirely new document in 1967. A constitution proposed under a military revolution in 1980 was rejected by a vote of the entire electorate.

Legal system: based on Spanish civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory (see also Ley de Lemas)