Senate of the Argentine Nation
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| Senate of the Argentine Nation | |
|---|---|
| Name | Senate of the Argentine Nation |
| Native name | Senado de la Nación Argentina |
| Legislature | National Congress of Argentina |
| House type | Upper house |
| Established | 1854 |
| Leader1 type | President of the Senate |
| Leader1 | Cristina Fernández de Kirchner |
| Leader1 party | Justicialist Party |
| Seats | 72 |
| Meeting place | Palace of the Argentine National Congress |
Senate of the Argentine Nation is the upper chamber of the National Congress (Argentina), sharing bicameral responsibility with the Chamber of Deputies of Argentina for national legislation, oversight, and treaty approval. Modeled after federal assemblies such as the United States Senate, the chamber represents the provinces and the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires and has played central roles in events including the Revolución Libertadora, the Dirty War, the Return to Democracy (1983), and the presidencies of Juan Perón, Raúl Alfonsín, and Néstor Kirchner. The Senate’s procedures intersect with constitutional instruments such as the Constitution of Argentina (1853), the Reform of 1994, and treaties like the Tratado del Pilar.
History
Originating in post-1853 debates culminating in the Constitution of Argentina (1853), the upper chamber evolved through episodes such as the Pacto Federal, the Parlamentarism debates, and provincial conflicts involving Juan Manuel de Rosas and the Battle of Caseros. Senators participated in constitutional crises during the Infamous Decade, the 1943 Argentine coup d'état, and the Revolución Argentina (1966). During the National Reorganization Process senators were removed, later restored by the Proceso de Reorganización Nacional’s end and the 1983 Argentine general election that elevated Raúl Alfonsín. Reforms from the Olivos Pact and the 1994 constitutional amendment altered representation and powers, leading to later political confrontations involving Carlos Menem, Fernando de la Rúa, Adolfo Rodríguez Saá, and Eduardo Duhalde.
Composition and Election
The chamber comprises three senators per province and three for the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, totaling 72 members. Senators are elected under systems modified after the 1994 reform and subsequent electoral laws, using lists and majority-minority distribution reminiscent of mechanisms debated by figures such as Domingo Faustino Sarmiento and Juan Bautista Alberdi. Terms last six years with staggered renewal cycles linked to the National Electoral Chamber (Argentina), the Argentine National Institute of Statistics and Censuses, and electoral events like presidential elections won by Carlos Menem and Néstor Kirchner. Prominent electoral disputes involved the Justice Party, Radical Civic Union, Union for the Homeland, Civic Coalition ARI, and provincial parties like Neuquén People's Movement and Salta Renewal Party.
Powers and Functions
Constitutional powers include ratification of international treaties negotiated by presidents such as Domingo Cavallo-era ministers, approval of diplomatic appointments including ambassadors to Brazil and ambassadors to the United States, and trial of impeached officials forwarded from the Chamber of Deputies of Argentina. The Senate exercises budgetary oversight connected to institutions like the Central Bank of Argentina and reviews appointments to the Supreme Court of Argentina, federal courts, and agencies such as the Federal Administration of Public Revenue. In crises the Senate has acted in succession matters invoking precedents from the removal of Fernando de la Rúa and the succession of Eduardo Duhalde.
Organization and Leadership
Leadership structures include the President of the Senate (the Vice President of Argentina), majority and minority leaders drawn from blocs such as the Justicialist Party, Radical Civic Union, and Frente de Todos, and presiding officers influenced by parliamentary practice from assemblies like the British House of Lords and the United States Senate. Committee chairs and parliamentary secretaries reflect alliances between figures like Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, Alberto Fernández, Mauricio Macri, and provincial caucuses from Buenos Aires Province, Córdoba Province, and Santa Fe Province. Administrative organs include the Dirección General Legislativa and coordination with the Honourable Cámara de Diputados for joint sessions on occasions such as presidential inaugurations and treaty depositions.
Legislative Process
Bills originate in the Senate or the Chamber of Deputies of Argentina and proceed through referral, committee review, debate, and floor vote, paralleling procedures in legislatures like the Italian Senate and the French Senate. Budgetary bills interact with the Ministry of Economy (Argentina) and tax measures relate to the Federal Administration of Public Revenue. The Senate handles constitutional amendments under rules established after the 1994 constitutional amendment and has enacted laws affecting institutions including the Argentine Antarctic Program, Yacyretá Binational Entity, and Mercosur commitments. High-profile legislation debated in the chamber includes reforms championed by Néstor Kirchner and social bills later advanced by Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and Mauricio Macri.
Committees
Standing and special committees mirror provincial interests and national sectors: Constitutional Affairs, Budget and Finance, Foreign Relations, Justice, Health, Energy, and Internal Security. Committee membership features senators from parties such as the Justicialist Party, Radical Civic Union, Republican Proposal, Progressive, Civic and Social Front, and provincial caucuses like La Pampa Federal. Committees work with executive ministries including the Ministry of Interior (Argentina), Ministry of Defense (Argentina), and agencies such as the National Institute Against Discrimination, Xenophobia and Racism.
Building and Chamber
The Senate meets in the Palace of the Argentine National Congress, an Beaux-Arts landmark designed by Vittorio Meano and completed with contributions from architects like Humberto Parente. The chamber’s chamber furniture, galleries, and murals by artists including Lino Enea Spilimbergo and the building’s location near the May Pyramid reflect ties to Buenos Aires landmarks like Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, and the Avenida de Mayo. Security and administration coordinate with agencies such as the Federal Police (Argentina) and the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Police.
Criticisms and Reforms
Criticisms involve representation imbalances cited by scholars referencing federalism debates and reform proposals from actors such as the Tucumán Pact-era provincial leaders, civil society groups like Centro de Estudios Legales y Sociales, and academics at Universidad de Buenos Aires, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, and Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Debates over gender parity invoked the Gender Parity Law (Argentina) and were influenced by movements like Ni Una Menos and organizations including Fundación Mujeres. Calls for transparency have urged adoption of practices from the Open Government Partnership and oversight mechanisms used by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. Proposed reforms address electoral formulas, term lengths, and committee transparency advocated by legislators across parties including Sergio Massa, Miguel Pichetto, Ernesto Sanz, and provincial governors from Mendoza Province and Tucumán Province.