Argentina adopted a constitution that has been amended several times, most recently in 1994. It established Argentina as a federal republic with separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The constitution calls for an executive branch to be headed by a president and vice president who are both Roman Catholics and at least 30 years old. The president also serves as the commander in chief of the armed forces.One of Argentina's most important political figures was Colonel Juan Peron, who "promised a better living for the urban workers and an industrially self - sufficient Argentina." (www.comptons.com/argentina.html) Peron's downfall came when students, bankers, industrialists, and other groups turned against him. In 1952, the death of his wife, Eva Duarte de Peron - Evita, who gained the right to vote for women and founded women's political and social orginazations, weakened his support. Evita also brought "health and welfare benefits to the poor, causing her to be idolized by the working class." (Microsoft Encarta 98 Encyclopedia) In September 1995 the armed forces rebelled, and Peron fled the country."Argentina has traditionally been one of the more prosperous Latin American countries." (www.infoplease.lycos.com) Unlike many of its neighbors, the country has developed a strong manufacturing industry and has become less dependant on agriculture. Today the country is largely self - sufficient in consumer goods. However, the Argentine economy in the late 20th century, like that of many neighboring countries, has suffered from severe inflation. An unstable government and continuing domestic and international political problems complicated this condition. By the mid - 1990s, however, economic reforms implemented by the government of President Carlos Saul Menem succeeded in bringing inflation under 5 percent. Argentina is also known for its beautiful literature. "Jorge Luis Borges (1899 - 1986) is probably Argentina's most favor...
