Central American Federation | Lower House of Parliament

The Cámara Baja Del Parlamento is one of two Houses in the Central American Parliament. The Lower House is charged with the passage of federal legislation, known as bills, which, after concurrence by the Upper House, are sent to the president for consideration. The House also has exclusive powers: it initiates all revenue bills, impeaches federal officers, and has the power to call a snap election with a supermajority of 450 votes.

History

The Lower House of Parliament was formed the day the War of Unification ended on June 5th, 1999. One of the main issues that concern the Upper House of Parliament was the uneven representation based on population. So the Central Americans found a uniquely American solution to it. In what can only be described as a reversal of the United States House of Representatives and Senate. The Upper House is based on population, while the Lower House is comprised of 600 seats. With each state representing 100 seats.

The party politics cultivated from the Lower House can only be described as a shining example of Democracy in a region once plagued by dictators from both extremes. The two largest parties are the Left Wing and Right Wing alliance. They are also the most powerful, and often lead their left or right-wing constituents in passing legislation. However, many minor parties have voiced concerns about the Alliances devolving the Lower House into a two-party system that exists in the United States.

Competence and Tasks

Competencies

• Initiates revenue bills

• impeaches federal officers

• Initiates a snap election if it deems it necessary

  Tasks

• Pass Legislature

• Scrutinize the Government, this includes the Upper House.

• Helping to protect the democratic, pluralistic, and participative forms of government in the Central American Federation

• Listening to their constituents from their party and country

• Decide matters of national interest

• Propose and hold debates on governmental matters.

  Government Coalitions

  Borrowing from Israel's Knesset, a Government is formed with a multi-party coalition. Once election votes are counted, and seats are assigned. The Lower House sets to work garnering members from different parties to form a government with 300 seats. If any minor party hopes to get their goals fulfilled, they must work with the Left or Right-wing alliance to form a government.

  This is also how the Prime Minister is elected, the leader of the coalition is elected as the Prime Minister. Elections are held every 4 years. The Prime minister leads the country and is tasked with fulfilling the promises made during the government formation period. The current Prime Minister, Carlos Benavides, ran under the further integration of the country. He appealed to many who wish to diminish their former national identity in favor of a more unified Central American Federation. He also had secret talks with the Yucatan Liberation Party. The outcomes of the talk is unknown, but it is confirmed that the party members joined the coalition.