The Costa Rican government structure is divided into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The executive branch, headed by the President, manages the day-to-day operations and includes various ministries and autonomous institutions. Ministries focus on specific sectors (e.g., Health, Finance), while autonomous institutions operate with more independence. The legislative branch is the Legislative Assembly, responsible for creating laws. The judicial branch, led by the Supreme Court, interprets and applies the law. 

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Executive Branch:

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• President: The head of state and government, elected directly for a four-year term. 

• Cabinet (Ministers): Appointed by the President to lead specific ministries. 

• Ministries:  Focus on specific sectors (e.g., Health, Finance, Education, Public Security). 

• Autonomous Institutions:  Independent agencies with specific mandates, like the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) or the National Insurance Institute (INS). 

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• Examples:

  • Ministry of Health: Oversees public health, including healthcare services and disease prevention. 

  • Ministry of Finance: Manages public finances, taxation, and government revenue. 

  • Ministry of Public Security: Responsible for law enforcement and national security. 

  • Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS): Administers healthcare and social security programs. 

  • National Insurance Institute (INS): Provides insurance services, including car and property insurance. 

 

Legislative Branch:

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• Legislative Assembly: A unicameral (single-chamber) body of 57 deputies elected for four-year terms.

• Function: Responsible for proposing, debating, and passing laws. 

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Judicial Branch:

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• Supreme Court: The highest court in the judicial system.

• Lower Courts: Include courts of appeals, administrative courts, and lower-level courts.

• Function: Interprets the law, settles legal disputes, and ensures the rule of law. 

 

Other Notable Entities:

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• Electoral Tribunal (TSE): Oversees elections and ensures their fairness. 

• Comptroller General: Responsible for auditing public funds and ensuring their proper use. 

• Public Ministry: The office of the Attorney General, responsible for prosecuting criminal cases. 

• PROCOMER: The Trade and Investment Promotion Agency, responsible for promoting exports and foreign investment. 

• CINDE: The private, non-profit investment promotion agency. 

• Municipalities: Local governments responsible for local services and administration.