Bolivia

Abstract

The Constitution of the Republic of Bolivia (so named in 1825) bears date October 28, 1880, with amendments adopted January 11, 1931. Executive power is vested in a President, elected for four years by direct popular vote, and not eligible for re-election until eight years after his term has ended. A Vice-President is elected to succeed him in case of resignation, death, illness, or on his becoming commander-in-chief of the army in the event of war. 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 unmarried males over 21 years of age who can read and write, and have an ‘ assured income,’ and by all married males over 18 who are similarly qualified. There are 16 Senators (2 for eaeh 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 direct vote of the people, but in the future Senators are to be elected by the Departmental Assemblies. Senators receive a salary of 900 bolivianos (45l.) per month; Deputies, 40 bolivianos for the session. Sittings, as a rule, last for 60 days, but may be extended to 90 days. Extraordinary sessions may be held for special purposes when convoked by the Executive, or by a majority of both Chambers.