Uruguay elects on national level a head of state — the president — and a legislature.

Uruguay has a multi-party system, with three dominant political parties, with extreme difficulty for anybody to achieve electoral success under the banner of any other party.

Executive Branch

Uruguay’s Constitution of 1967 created a strong presidency, subject to legislative and judicial balance. Many of these provisions were suspended in 1973 but reestablished in 1985.

The president, who is both the head of state and the 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 various executive departments.

Legislative Branch

The General Assembly (Asamblea General) has two chambers.

The Chamber of Deputies (Cámara de Diputados) has 99 members, elected for a five year term by proportional representation.

The Chamber of Senators (Cámara de Senadores) has 31 members; 30 members are elected for a five year term by proportional representation and the Vice-president who presides over it.

Judicial Branch

The Supreme Court is the highest court. Its judges are elected for 10-year terms by the General Assembly.

Below the Supreme Court are appellate and lower courts, as well as justices of the peace.

There are also electoral courts and administrative (“contentious”) courts, an accounts court and a military justice system.