America

Abstract

The constitution of the Argentine Confederation, a group of states formerly known by the name of ‘ Provincias Unidas del Rio de la Plata,’ bears date May 15,1853. By its provisions, the executive power is left to a president, elected for six years by representatives of the fourteen provinces, 133 in number; while the legislative authority is vested in a National Congress, consisting of a Senate and a House of Deputies, the former numbering 28, two from each province, and the latter 50 members. The members of both the Senate and the House of Deputies are paid for their services, each receiving 700l. per annum. A vice-president, elected in the same manner, and at the same time as the president, fills the office of chairman of the Senate, but has otherwise no political power. The president is commander-in-chief of the troops, and appoints to all civil, military, and judicial offices; he is solely responsible for the acts of the executive.