I live in the totalitarian state of Cuba, which is governed under a constitution that was adopted in 1976. As a socialist state, all powers belong to the working people. It's only political party is the Communist Party. Our country is run by Fidel Castro, who is the Chief of State, head of government, first secretary of the Communist Party, (which is chosen by Castro himself) and is the Commander and Chief of the Armed Forces. Cuba has a central government and a local government. The central legislative body is a National Assembly of Peoples Power. The real power belongs to Fidel Castro. What is your government like compared to ours?
Sincerely,
Xavier
Dear Xavier,
In our government class, we have learned about Cuba's government and as you know, it is quite different from our government. Our government is a representative democracy, which means that the people elect officials to represent them in the government. There are three divisions of government that share power. The judicial branch, which includes the Supreme Court, that hears all cases that are appealed from lower courts, the executive branch which includes the President of the United States (who is also elected by the people) and a cabinet that is appointed by the President but has to be approved by the Senate. The third branch is the legislative branch that makes the laws. The legislative branch includes the House of Representatives and the Senate. Together these two groups are known as Congress. They can develop laws and vote on them in the House and Senate. If a law comes through Congress, it has to be approved by the President. If the President does not like the law, he can reject it (which is called the presidential veto).
The President is an elected official. You can vote for a President, a Governor or any other official when you turn eighteen. The way Cuba treats its people differs from the way the American government treats its people. We have rights, but need to have responsibilities also. For example, when someone is accused of a crime, the police have the right to say "You have the right to remain silent..., the right to attorney..." The government has to obey the laws in the Constitution. Therefore, the government cannot become overpowering. Then we also have to pay certain taxes ( that some people don't agree with) for the protection of our citizens, such as Welfare, which is a program that helps low income families. I hope this has answered your question on the difference between your government and ours.
Sincerely,
Kimberly M.,
Amanda T.,
Michelle W.,
Sarah M.,
Jenni W.
Time Magazine: "Cubans, Go Home" September 5, 1994, pg. 28
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