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Algerian Politics Questions
Describe the organization of the government
Answer:
The Algerian government is a three-branch system, much like that of the United States. The legislative branch is a bi-cameral legislature that was originally just one house, known as the National People’s Assembly. In a revision to the Algerian constitution in 1996, this house was supplemented by a second legislative body, known as the Council of the Nation. This group is picked one-third by the president, and the rest of the seats are picked by local and regional election. When the first house passes a law, the Council of the Nation reviews and approves it by a three-fourths vote in order for the bill to move on to judicial review. After the Supreme Court accepts a bill, it can then become a law. The government also has a President, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, and a Prime Minister, Ahmed Ouyahia. The president also appoints a cabinet of ministers that is part of the executive branch.
How is power allocated within Algeria? Is the country democratic or authoritarian? What freedoms exist? What freedoms are restricted?
Answer:
Algeria’s governmental power is allocated between three branches, similar to the government of the U.S., which includes a Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branch. The country is governed on democratic principles, and the type of government is a democratic republic. Some of the organic laws that are recognized under the Algerian constitution are the freedoms of speech and assembly, the freedom to join unions, and the freedom to form political parties. However, there have been instances in which human rights activists have been arrested for speaking out. There is still no full outlaw of the use of torture, and religious freedom is not completely granted. Non-Muslim practices are not allowed in public, but they are somewhat tolerated, although not entirely. In addition, Muslim women are not allowed to marry outside of their faith by law. The Algerian constitution is not a perfect document, but its flaws are being worked out over time.