Costa Rica

Abstract

The Republic of Costa Rica, an independent State since the year 1821, and forming part from 1824 to 1829 of the Confederation of Central America, is governed under a Constitution first promulgated in 1870, but modified very frequently since that date. Practically there was no constitution between 1870 and 1882. The legislative power is vested in a Chamber of Representatives—one representative to every 8,000 inhabitants—chosen in electoral assemblies, the members of which are returned by the suffrage of all who are able to live’ respectably.’ There were 537 electors in 1889, and 26 deputies (32 in 1895). The members of the Chamber are elected for the term of four years, one-half retiring every two years. The executive authority is in the hands of a president, elected, in the same manner as the Congress for the term of four years.