Ecuador

Abstract

The Republic of Ecuador was constituted May 11, 1830, in consequence of a civil war which separated the members of the orginal Republic of Columbia founded by Simon Bolivar by uniting the Presidency of Quito, the Vice-Royalty of New Granada, and the Captaincy-General of Venezuela, as soon as they threw off the Spanish yoke. A Boundary Treaty has been concluded between the latter Republic and Ecuador and sanctioned by the Ecuadorian Congress, but it still lacks ratification by Peru (Dec. 1890). By its Constitution, dating 1830—with modifications in 1835, 1813, 1861, 1860, 1883—the executive is vested in a, President, elected for the term of four years, while the legislative power is given to a Congress of two Houses, the first consisting of two senators for each province (chosen for four years, one-half retiring every two years), and the second of deputies, one deputy for every 30,000 inhabitants (chosen for two years), both elected by adults who can read and write, and arc Roman Catholics. The Congress has to assemble on June 10 of every other year at Quito, the capital and seat of the Government, without being summoned by the Government. The nomination of the President takes place, in an indirect manner, by 900 electors, returned by the people for the purpose.