Paraguay is a representative democratic republic, with a multi-party system and separation of powers in three branches.

Paraguay’s highly centralized government was fundamentally changed by the 1992 constitution, which reinforced a division of powers that in the previous two Constitutions existed mostly on paper.

Executive power is exercised solely by the President, who is head of state and head of government.

Legislative power is vested in the two chambers of the National Congress.

The Judiciary is vested on Tribunals and Courts of Civil Law and a nine-member Supreme Court of Justice, all of them independent of the executive and the legislature.

Paraguay elects on national level a head of state — the president — and a legislature. The president is elected for a five year term by the people.

The National Congress (Congreso Nacional) has two chambers. The Chamber of Deputies (Cámara de Diputados) has 80 members, elected for a five year term by proportional representation. The Chamber of Senators (Cámara de Senadores) has 45 members, elected for a five year term by proportional representation.