Understanding Venezuelan Political System and Key Concepts
Understanding the Venezuelan Political System and Key Concepts
1. Legal Basis of Laws in Venezuela
A law, before being approved, is a project subject to discussions. The steps involved are: Initiative, Admission, Discussion, Voting, Shipping, Return, and Enactment.
2. Entities Proposing Laws
The following organisms can propose a law:
- Executive
- Executive Committee and Standing Committees
- Members of the National Assembly (minimum three)
- Citizen Power (laws related to its composition)
- Electoral Power (laws related to campaigns)
- Voters (minimum 0.1% of registered voters)
- State Authority Legislative Council (laws related to states)
3. Enabling Law
An enabling law allows the president to issue decrees with the force of law on specific matters, delegated by the same law, for a limited time.
4. Executive Power
The executive branch, one of the three main powers of the state (along with legislative and judicial), enforces laws and is typically headed by the head of state.
5. Legislative Power
In a democracy, the legislature creates and modifies laws based on public opinion. Its primary function is enacting laws, typically carried out by a deliberative body (congress, parliament, or assembly of representatives).
6. Citizen Power
Citizen Power is exercised by the Republican Moral Council, composed of the Ombudsman, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Comptroller General of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Its functions include:
- Preventing, investigating, and punishing acts against public ethics and administrative morals.
- Ensuring proper management and legality in using public property.
- Promoting education for citizenship, solidarity, freedom, democracy, social responsibility, and work.
This power comprises the following organizations:
- Ombudsman’s Office
- Attorney General
- Comptroller General of the Republic
7. State Authority
Its functions encompass all federal agencies.
8. Judicial Power
The judiciary administers justice emanating from citizens and is exercised on behalf of the Republic by the authority of law. It is comprised of:
- The Supreme Court
- Other courts established by law
- The Public Ministry
- Public Defender
- Criminal investigation bodies
- Justice officers and officials
- Corrections
- Alternative means of justice
- Authorized lawyers
9. National Power
National Power exercises its actions throughout the national territory.
10. Municipal Power
Municipal Power has defined roles within the city limits.
11. Electoral Power
Electoral Power regulates election laws and resolves matters related to elections, referendums, and plebiscites.
12. Comptroller General of the Republic
The Comptroller General of the Republic ensures the transparent management of Venezuela’s public property.
13. Peace
Peace is a fundamental asset for human development and all nations.
14. The United Nations (UN)
The UN is the largest existing international organization, facilitating cooperation on international law, peace, security, economic and social development, and humanitarian and human rights issues.
15. The Organization of American States (OAS)
The OAS is a regional international organization serving as a political forum for multilateral dialogue, integration, and decision-making within the Americas.