National Congress of Argentina
The National Congress of Argentina (Spanish: Congreso de la Nación Argentina) serves as the legislative branch of the Argentine government. Operating under a bicameral system—meaning it consists of two separate legislative chambers—the Congress is responsible for creating laws, managing national finances, and providing a system of checks and balances within the federal government.
The Congress meets at the historic Congressional Palace in Buenos Aires, located at the western end of Avenida de Mayo. This landmark is not only the seat of legislative power but also the site of the milestone marking Kilometre Zero for all Argentine National Highways.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Structure: Bicameral, consisting of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies.
- Total Membership: 329 members (72 Senators and 257 Deputies).
- Location: Congressional Palace, Buenos Aires.
- Session Period: Ordinary sessions run from March 1 to November 30.
- Leadership: Led by the President of the Senate (Vice President of Argentina) and the President of the Chamber of Deputies.
Legislative Structure and Composition
The Senate (Upper House)
The Senate is designed to provide equal representation for the provinces. It consists of 72 members, with three representatives from each of the 23 provinces and the federal capital. Senators are elected to six-year renewable terms, with one-third of the seats contested every two years.
The Chamber of Deputies (Lower House)
The Chamber of Deputies represents the people of Argentina, with seats apportioned based on population (approximately one deputy for every 161,000 citizens). There are 257 deputies who serve four-year terms, with half of the chamber renewed every two years.
| House | Total Seats | Term Length | Representation Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senate | 72 | 6 Years | 3 per Province/District |
| Chamber of Deputies | 257 | 4 Years | Population-based |
Powers and Responsibilities
The National Congress holds broad authority over the state's legal and financial framework. Its general duties include ruling the Central Bank of Argentina, managing internal and external debt, and determining the value of the national currency, the Argentine peso.
General Legislative Authority
- Legal Codes: The Congress establishes national codes for Civil, Commercial, Penal, Mining, Work, and Social Welfare affairs.
- Territorial Changes: Any modification of national or provincial boundaries, or the creation of new provinces, requires Congressional approval.
- International Relations: The Congress approves or rejects international treaties. Once approved, these treaties take priority over ordinary laws.
- National Security: Declarations of war, peace treaties, and the mobilization of national troops must be authorized by the Congress.
Exclusive Powers of the Chamber of Deputies
As the lower house, the Chamber of Deputies has specific exclusive rights, including the power to set taxes and customs, draft troops, and initiate impeachment proceedings against the President, Ministers, and members of the Supreme Court.
Exclusive Powers of the Senate
The Senate acts as the reviewing body and holds specific confirmation powers. It must ratify international treaties, approve changes to constitutional or federal criminal laws, and confirm or impeach presidential nominees for the cabinet, judiciary, armed forces, and diplomatic corps.
Historical Context and Evolution
The role of the Congressional Palace has shifted over time. Between 1976 and 1983, during the military government known as the National Reorganization Process, the building housed the Legislative Advisory Commission (CAL). This group of military officers reviewed laws before they were issued by the Executive Branch.
A significant structural change occurred following the 1994 constitutional reform. The Senate was expanded from 48 members (two per province) to 72 members. This change ensured that the party finishing second in the provincial senatorial elections would be granted the third seat, promoting broader political representation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are members of the Argentine Senate elected?
Each province and the federal capital elect three senators. They serve six-year terms, and the Senate is renewed by thirds every two years.
What is the difference between the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies?
The Senate provides equal representation for provinces regardless of size, while the Chamber of Deputies is apportioned based on population. The Deputies have exclusive rights over taxes and initiating impeachments, while the Senate confirms presidential appointments and ratifies treaties.
When does the National Congress hold its ordinary sessions?
Ordinary sessions take place annually from March 1 to November 30. However, the President of Argentina can convene extraordinary sessions during the recess if necessary.
What happens if a member of Congress commits a crime?
Members of Congress enjoy parliamentary immunity during their mandates. However, this immunity can be revoked by their peers if the member is caught in flagrante (in the act of committing the crime).
How is the Chamber of Deputies apportioned?
The Chamber of Deputies is apportioned based on the population, with approximately one deputy elected for every 161,000 Argentine citizens.