Bolivia

Abstract

The Constitution of the Republic of Bolivia (so named in 1825) bears date October 28, 1880. Executive power is vested in a President, elected for four years by direct popular vote, and not eligible for re-election, as well as two Vice-presidents similarly elected. There is a Congress of two chambers, called the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, which sits at La Paz. The suffrage is possessed by all males over 21 years of age who can read and write and have an ‘assured income.’ There are 16 Senators (2 for each Department) elected for six years (one-third retiring every two years) and 70 Deputies elected for four years (one-half retiring every two years); both by dirert vote of the people. Senators and Deputies receive a salary of 900 bolivianos (70l.) per month. Sittings, as a rule, last for 60 days, but may be extended to 90 days. Extraordinary sessions may be held for special purposes. The President’s Cabinet consists of the secretaries of six departments—Foreign Relations and Worship ; Finance, Industry and Agriculture , Government and Justice ; Public Works, Posts and Telegraphs ; War and Colonisation ; and Education.