What type of government runs Chile?
Chile is a constitutional unitary republic with a presidential system. A president leads the executive, while legislative power belongs to the National Congress composed of the Senate (upper house) and the Chamber of Deputies (lower house).
Structure of the Chilean Political System
Chile operates according to a presidential regime in which the president combines the functions of head of state and head of government. This constitutional unitary republic is organized around the separation of powers.
Organization of Powers
- Executive power: exercised by the President of the Republic, elected by direct universal suffrage
- Legislative power: held by the bicameral National Congress
- Senate: upper chamber of the Chilean parliament
- Chamber of Deputies: lower chamber representing the population
Characteristics of the System
As a unitary republic, Chile has a centralized government, unlike federal states. The constitutional nature guarantees respect for the Constitution as the supreme law of the country.