The system of government of the Slovak republic

The system of government of the Slovak republic

Slovakia is democratic republic, with multi-party system.

The Constitution of Slovak Republic was ratified 1 September 1992, and became effective 1 October 1992 (some parts 1 January 1993). It was amended several times. Last in February 2001 because SR wanted to join tu EU.

The system of government of The Slovak Republic is divided into three branches:

• The legislative branch
• The executive branch
• The President and the judicial branch

1. The legislative branch

- represented by the National Council of the Slovak Republic (Parliament).

It is the law making body. It consists of 150 members elected every four years.

Parliament considers and approves the Constitution, constitutional statues and other legal acts. It also approves the state budget. The parliament should approve all important international treaties.

1. The executive branch

- represented by the Slovak Government. It consists of the Prime Minister, vice-prime ministers and ministers.

- Main office holders:

Office Name

President I. Gašparovič

Prime minister R. Fico

Deputy prime D. Čaplovič

The president and the judicial branch (the courts)

The president of Slovakia is the head of state of Slovakia. Most of his powers are ceremonial. In order to become President, a candidate must have 50 % of the vote. The President is elected every five years and is the commander-in-chef of the armed forces.

The judicial power is represented by courts at various levels, starting with the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court and going down to the courts at all levels of regional and district government.