Venezuela’s political system is a Constitutional Democracy. The
current Venezuelan constitution was adopted in 1999. Important
changes were made regarding the structure of the government as
well as in human rights and community participation. Since the
approval by referendum of this constitution, the government
consists of five branches, the Executive, Legislative, Judicial,
Citizen and Electoral. The Executive Branch: The President and
his cabinet. The President is elected by universal, direct and
secret ballot for a six-year term. The President may be re-
elected for one additional consecutive term only. One chamber
National Assembly composed by 165 deputies elected for a five-
year term. Deputies may be re-elected for up to one additional
consecutive term. The new constitution renamed the Supreme Court
as the Supreme Tribunal of Justice. Justices are nominated by
the civil society. Final appointment requires the approval of at
least two thirds of the legislative branch. The Citizens Branch:
Created to safeg