Costa Rica

Abstract

The Republic of Costa Rica, an independent State since the year 1821, and forming part from 1824 to 1829 of the Confederation of Central America, is governed under a Constitution promulgated on December 7, 1871, and modified very frequently since that date. Practically there was no constitution, but only dictatorships, between 1870 and 1882. The legislative power is vested in a Chamber of Representatives called the Constitutional Congress, and made up of 43 deputies, being one representative to every 8,000 inhabitants chosen in electoral assemblies, the members of which are returned by the suffrage of all who are able to support themselves. The members of the Chamber are elected for the term of four years, one-half retiring every two years. The executive authority is in the hands of a president, elected, in the same manner as the Congress, for the term of four years. A Standing Committee of 5 deputies represents Congress during its recess and advises the President on all matters which would ordinarily come before the Chamber.