Guatemala

Abstract

THE Republic of Guatemala was established on 17 April, 1839, after having formed for 18 years part of the Confederation of Central America. The present Constitution came into effect 15 March, 1945. The legislative power is vested in a single-chambered National Assembly or Congress, consisting of representatives (one for every 50,000 inhabitants) chosen by direct popular vote for 4 years; one-half of Congress is renewed every 2 years. Deputies may not be re-elected until after one term has elapsed. The President is normally elected for 6 years, and barred from re-election for a period of 12 years, but President Ubico’s term, which expired in 1937, was, as the result of a plebiscite held in June, 1935, and through an amendment to the Constitution in September, 1941, extended to 15 March, 1949. A revolt in July, 1944, overthrew President Ubico, and in the 1945 Constitution the principle that no President shall immediately succeed himself is reaffirmed; in the event of any attempted transgression of it, the right of rebellion is expressly sanctioned. No member of the armed forces on the employed list may be elected to the presidency or to Congress.