Venezuela: Government Structure

Venezuela is a federal presidential republic in which the president serves as both head of state and head of government. Under the current constitution, the presidential term is six years, and a 2009 constitutional amendment removed term limits for elected officials, allowing presidents to seek reelection indefinitely. Unlike most presidential systems in the Americas, Venezuela's constitution divides national power among five distinct branches: the traditional executive, legislative, and judicial branches, along with a citizens' branch and an electoral branch.

Legislative power is held by the unicameral National Assembly, whose deputies are elected through universal, direct, and secret suffrage using a system of proportional representation across the country's federal jurisdictions, with dedicated seats reserved for representatives of Venezuela's indigenous peoples. Deputies serve five-year terms and may be reelected for up to two consecutive terms. The president appoints the vice president and determines the size and composition of the cabinet, with certain appointments subject to involvement from the National Assembly.

Supreme judicial power rests with the Supreme Tribunal of Justice, whose magistrates are elected by the National Assembly. The citizens' branch, made up of the Public Ministry, the Office of the Comptroller General, and the Office of the Ombudsman, is tasked with overseeing government ethics, public finances, and human rights, while the electoral branch, centered on the National Electoral Council, organizes and supervises elections and referenda. Venezuela is further organized into 23 states plus the Capital District, each with its own elected governor and legislative council responsible for regional administration.