The Republic of Chile is a representative democracy with a presidential republic-type government. Citizens elect government officials and representatives every four years. The government is divided into three independent branches: executive, legislative and judicial. The national capital of Chile is Santiago, where La Moneda Palace is the seat of government. Also in Santiago is the Palace of the Court of Justice which houses the judicial power of Chile. To the west of Santiago is the port city of Valparaiso, which hosts the National Congress of Chile, where the country's laws are drafted and amended. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay In the executive branch, the president administers both the state and the government. Election to the presidency requires an absolute majority vote through a two-round system. The President can appoint or dismiss members of the Cabinet, Ambassadors, provincial and regional authorities, the Comptroller General of the Republic, judges of the Supreme and Appeal Courts and Commanders in Chief of the Armed Forces. The President will act as commander in chief of the armed forces in times of war. The President can also introduce bills, implement laws, and introduce constitutional amendments. Legislative tasks are carried out by the bicameral National Congress: 38 members of the Senate and 120 members of the Chamber of Deputies, elected through a closed party list majority system based on the size of the district's population. This system also requires 40% female candidates. This branch also ensures that laws are implemented by the government. The Supreme Judicial Court is composed of 21 judges appointed by the president with the approval of the Senate. The Court of Appeal or Court of Appeal is also part of the judiciary; military tribunals; and the Constitutional Tribunal. The Supreme Court has authority over the appellate and lower courts, but not the constitutional and electoral courts. In Chile there is no jury trial, but citizens are granted the right to a lawyer according to the constitution. Chile is an active player in the Latin America Group. Chile maintains good relations with neighboring countries as it is part of the Andean Community of Nations, Community of Democracies, Economic Commission for Latin America, Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, Inter-American Development Bank, MercoSur, Organization of American States , Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Central American Integration System, Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and Latin Union. Colombia, Mexico and Peru also formed the Pacific Alliance with Chile. Chile has diplomatic relations with almost all states and bilateral relations with the Security Council and with most Asian, African, Middle Eastern, European and Western states . Chile has supported collective action in the United Nations since becoming a member on October 24, 1945. Remember: this is just one example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a custom essay Chile participates in several specialized agencies, such as the Conference on Disarmament, Food and Agriculture Organization, International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, International Monetary Fund , International Communications Union, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, World Bank Group and the World Trade Organization.