Structure of Government

by Sarah Blackburn

Portugal’s government consists of three branches: the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judicial branch. Mainland Portugal is divided into 18 districts, each with an appointed governor. They are divided into 305 municipal councils, each with an elected assembly. These are then divided into over 4000 parishes. The Azores and the Medeira Islands are autonomous regions with their own governments and certain local powers, such as the rights to tax and create local institutions.

Executive Branch

The executive branch consists of a shared power between the President and the Prime Minister. The President can be elected to up to two consecutive terms of five years each. He sets election dates, serves as commander in chief of the armed forces, directs foreign policy, has power of veto, and appoints the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is usually the head of the majority party in parliament. He leads the cabinet, which consists of about fifteen members and is known as the Council of Ministers, to draw up a budget, create government policy, and supervise public administration.

Legislative Branch

Portugal has a unicameral legislature known as the Assembly of the Republic. There are 230 “deputies” in the assembly, who are elected by means of proportional representation and serve four year terms. They can override a presidential veto by a two-thirds vote.

Judicial Branch

At the top of the judicial branch is the Supreme Court, which consists of a President and 29 judges who are appointed for life. Under the Supreme Court are four courts of appeals and many local and district courts.

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Last Updated 2/27/05