Chapter 2 of the Syrian Constitution is the second part of the Syrian constitution introduced on 13 March 1973. The chapter contains 81 articles in three parts. It discusses the powers of the Syrian state, including, the legislative authority, the executive authority and the Local People's Councils.
Contents
Legislative Authority
The constitution defines the People's Assembly as a unicameral legislature consisting of 250 members. Members of the People's Assembly are elected to a 4-year term by general, secret, direct and equal ballot. The constitution provides a 50% quota of the People's Assembly to workers and peasants. The powers of the People's Assembly include, nomination of the president, debating cabinet policy, approving the budget and ratification of international treaties. The Assembly can not initiate laws but it has the right to amend and approve them. The president is only liable to the assembly in cases of high treason.
President of the Republic
The constitution stipulates that the President of the Republic is the head of the state, the chief executive officer of the executive authority and the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The nomination for the presidency is proposed by the Ba'ath Party and approved by the parliament. According to the constitution, the nominee must be Arab Syrian, Muslim and over 34 years of age. The nominee is then confirmed through a referendum for a 7-year term. The constitution does not specify a term limit for the president.
The constitution gives the office of the president great executive and legislative powers. The president is responsible for appointing and dismissing the Council of Ministers, the prime minister, and other top civil servants and military officers as well as members of the High Constitutional Court. The president may also dissolve the People's Assembly and appoint an unlimited number of vice presidents.
Cabinet and Council of Ministers
The constitution defines the cabinet as the highest executive and administrative body. It consists of the prime minister, the deputy prime minister and the ministers. The constitution states that the ministers are responsible to the president of the republic.
Local People's Councils
Article 129 of the constitution defines the Local People's Councils as follows:
The Local People's Councils are bodies which exercise their powers within the administrative units in accordance with the law.