Government: The government of Dominican Republic is a representative democracy, which is the same form of government as the United States. Also, they have a multi-party political system very similar to the US. The two main political parties are the Dominican Liberation Party and the Dominican Revolutionary Party. The capital building is located in the National District in the capital, Santo Domingo.
Similar to the US, the president serves a 4 year term with the option to run for another term of 4 years. Because the Dominican Republic is a representative democracy, the president executes passed laws, appoints members of the Cabinet, and is commander in chief of the armed forces. The current Chief of State and Head of Government is Danilo Medina.
Foreign Relations: The government of the Dominican Republic has close relationships with many countries. The government of the Dominican Republic has close relationships with the governments of the United States, Great Britain, Spain, and Haiti. Many times, the Dominican Republic has appealed for international support for Haiti, their neighbor. The Dominican Republic is also a founding member of the United Nations. They also participate in agencies and organizations such as the World Bank, International Labor Organization, International Civil Aviation Organization, and the International Atomic Energy Agency. They are also a large member of the Inter-American Development Bank.
Education: For children from 7 to 14 years old, education is provided free. Although primary education at this age is compulsory, many families do not send their children. This is due to the fact that uniforms are required to attend school, and these compulsory uniforms are not provided for free. Therefore, the families that cannot afford to purchase uniforms are unable to send their children to school. Two years of intermediate school, which would be considered 11th and 12th grade in the US, follow primary school, but a majority of middle to lower class families are unable to send their children to intermediate. About 80% of 7-14 year olds are enrolled in primary schools, and 50% in intermediate or secondary schools. Even though there is a large number of students without advanced educations, more than 90% of the population is literate. Also, there are many private institutions that offer advanced education, that most middle class to lower class families cannot afford.
Similar to the US, the president serves a 4 year term with the option to run for another term of 4 years. Because the Dominican Republic is a representative democracy, the president executes passed laws, appoints members of the Cabinet, and is commander in chief of the armed forces. The current Chief of State and Head of Government is Danilo Medina.
Foreign Relations: The government of the Dominican Republic has close relationships with many countries. The government of the Dominican Republic has close relationships with the governments of the United States, Great Britain, Spain, and Haiti. Many times, the Dominican Republic has appealed for international support for Haiti, their neighbor. The Dominican Republic is also a founding member of the United Nations. They also participate in agencies and organizations such as the World Bank, International Labor Organization, International Civil Aviation Organization, and the International Atomic Energy Agency. They are also a large member of the Inter-American Development Bank.
Education: For children from 7 to 14 years old, education is provided free. Although primary education at this age is compulsory, many families do not send their children. This is due to the fact that uniforms are required to attend school, and these compulsory uniforms are not provided for free. Therefore, the families that cannot afford to purchase uniforms are unable to send their children to school. Two years of intermediate school, which would be considered 11th and 12th grade in the US, follow primary school, but a majority of middle to lower class families are unable to send their children to intermediate. About 80% of 7-14 year olds are enrolled in primary schools, and 50% in intermediate or secondary schools. Even though there is a large number of students without advanced educations, more than 90% of the population is literate. Also, there are many private institutions that offer advanced education, that most middle class to lower class families cannot afford.