The Dominican Republic operates as a democratic republic with a multi-party political system. The country’s government is divided into three branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, much like many Western democracies. The executive branch is headed by the President of the Dominican Republic, who serves as both the head of state and head of government. The president is elected by absolute majority vote through a two-round system. The president has the authority to execute laws, appoint the cabinet, and conduct relations with foreign countries.

The legislative power is vested in the bicameral National Congress, which consists of the Senate, with 32 members, and the Chamber of Deputies, with 178 members. Members of both houses are elected by direct, popular vote. The National Congress is responsible for drafting and passing legislation. The judicial branch of government is headed by the Supreme Court of Justice, whose judges are appointed by a council made up of the president, the leaders of both houses of Congress, and an opposition or non-governing-party member. The Supreme Court is the final court of appeal and has the authority to interpret the constitution. The Dominican Republic is divided into 31 provinces and one independent district (Santo Domingo), which are the country’s primary administrative divisions.