Venezuela's Government Structure: Separation of Powers

Distribution of Power in Venezuela

Venezuela's 1999 Constitution establishes a presidential system with separation of powers among five branches (the classic three plus two "citizen power" branches).

1. Executive Branch

• President: Head of state & government; 6-year term, unlimited re-election (since 2009 amendment). Appoints VP, Cabinet, Supreme Court justices (with Legislative approval).

2. Legislative Branch

• National Assembly: Unicameral, 277 deputies (5-year terms, proportional representation). Enacts laws, approves budget, oversees executive.

3. Judicial Branch

• Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ): 32 justices (12-year terms, appointed by National Assembly). Highest court.

4. Citizen Power (Poder Ciudadano)

• Republican Moral Council: Comprises Attorney General, Comptroller General, Ombudsman (Defensor del Pueblo). Guards transparency, human rights, public ethics.

5. Electoral Power (Poder Electoral)

• National Electoral Council (CNE): Organizes, supervises all elections/referendums. 5 rectors appointed by National Assembly.

Checks & Balances (In Theory)

The five branches are designed to check each other. In practice, since 1999, the executive has consolidated control over the others (TSJ, CNE, Moral Council), undermining separation of powers—a major criticism by NGOs, OAS, and internal opposition.