Paraguay is a constitutional republic, directed by the democratic constitution of 1992, which changed the highly authoritarian constitution that had been in practice since 1967.

The Constitution of Paraguay of 1967 states that government is exercised by the 3 branches in a system of division of balance, powers, and interdependence.

In Paraguay, there are 17 different departments of Government. The constitution to operate the government of Paraguay was configured on 20th June 1992. The constitution of Paraguay provides for a dividing the government powers among 3 branches – Executive branch, Legislative branch and Judicial Branch.

In Executive branch, President is the head of the branch, who is directly elected for period of five years by direct popular voting, by the simple majority system without option of reelection. The President appoints a Council of Ministers consisting 18 members to administer other government ministries. The President has the power to initiate legislation and also of its rejection.

In addition to this, President has right of religious patronage. Under the conditions of an agreement with the Vatican, the state is supposed to maintain the property of the Roman Catholic Church as well as support the ministry of the church, in return for which the President appoints candidates for all government ministries including parish priests.

The person elected by Paraguayan people as President must be a native Paraguayan, Roman Catholic and at least forty years of age. Elections must be held at least six months before the expiration date of the serving President. In case of President’s death or disability or resignation, the National Congress and Council will designate a provisional President.