In 1844, the first Dominican Republic constitution came into effect following independence from neighbouring Haiti.
This was changed in the first year by the then authoritarian government.
The Dominican Republic has had a chequered history of authoritarian and liberal constitutions since the very beginning.
Many changes were seen in the country from the 1960's, following the assassination of dictator, Trujillo, who had run the country since 1930. Over a period of 2 decades the per capital income increased 4-fold, the percentage of people living in urban areas doubled and literacy levels significantly increased.
The economy of the Dominican Republic depends upon the United Sates who take about 60% of the country's exports. GDP improved at the beginning of the 21st century, but the world recession has reduced this again.
Government Type | Democratic Republic |
| Administration Divisions | 31 provinces and 1 district |
| Voting Rights | Compulsory from age 18 and married persons. National police and armed forces cannot vote. |
| Chief of State | Leonel Fernandez Reyna has been President and Head of Government since 16 August 2004 |
| Political Parties | Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) Dominican Revolutionary Party (PRD National Progressive Front Social Christinan Reformist Party (PRSC) |
| Cabinet | President nominates |
| Congress | Senate (32 seats) elected by popular vote for 4 year term House of Representatives (178 seats) elected by popular vote for 4 year term |
