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Argentina is a federal republic formed by 23 autonomous provinces and one autonomous territory, the capital city (Buenos Aires). An elected president, who appoints a cabinet, holds the country's executive power. Its mandate, which may be renewed only for another similar term, lasts four years. Legislative power is exercised by a bicameral legislature with a Lower Chamber (currently with 254 elected Deputies of the Nation) and an upper chamber or Senate (composed of 72 elected Senators from the provinces and the autonomous capital city). The highest federal court is the Supreme Court, made up of nine judges. Each of the provinces has its own government and courts that mirror the federal system. While substantive law is largely the same at both the federal and provincial levels, procedure may vary in provincial courts. Under Argentina's constitution, the provinces delegate to the federal legislature the power to enact laws of national scope governing civil and commercial issues, foreign relations, defence and other matters. Individual provinces may also enact their own specific provisions. National Military Service has become professional during the last decade when compulsory enrolment was abolished. The defence policy stresses cooperation with the neighbouring countries and participation in the peace operations and missions approved and directed by the United Nations.
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