Uruguay operates under a democratic presidential republic system. The President of Uruguay serves as both the head of state and head of government, and is responsible for the executive branch, which oversees the day-to-day administration of the country. 

The President is elected by popular vote for a five-year term and can appoint a Council of Ministers to assist in governing. The President and their ministers have executive powers and are responsible for enforcing laws, while the President also has veto power over legislation.

The legislative power in Uruguay is vested in the General Assembly, which is a bicameral parliament consisting of the Chamber of Deputies (lower house, with 99 members) and the Chamber of Senators (upper house, with 31 members). Members of both chambers are elected for five-year terms.

Uruguay’s political scene has traditionally been dominated by two major parties, the National Party (Partido Nacional) and the Colorado Party (Partido Colorado), but the Broad Front (Frente Amplio), a leftist coalition, has also emerged as a significant political force in the 21st century. Uruguay is considered one of the most politically stable and democratically robust nations in Latin America.