The Assembly of the Republic's powers derive from its ability to dismiss a government through a vote of no confidence, to change the country's laws, and to amend the constitution (which requires a majority of two-thirds).

The constitution requires the assembly to quickly review and approve an incoming government's program.

Members are elected by popular vote for legislative terms of four years from the country's twenty-two constituencies.

This directive has been reinforced in practice by the strong role of political parties in regard to members of the assembly.

Party leadership, for example, determines in which areas candidates are to run for office, thus often weakening members' ties to their constituencies.