Education is still in a backward state. In 1915 the Dominican Republic did not own a single school building. Rural schools did not exceed eighty-four in number. The total school enrollment was about 18,000. While there were some public schools in rented buildings dependence seems to have been placed on the private subsidized schools, and the amount granted was determined wholly by political influence. The teachers were irregularly and poorly paid. A commission appointed by the government investigated thoroughly the educational situation and because of its findings prepared and recommended the following laws: (_a_) Compulsory school attendance; (_b_) school administration; (_c_) general studies, literary, law, and theological courses; and an (_d_) organic law of public education, and school revenues. The educational institutions now total: (_a_) 647 rural schools--enrollment 50,000, the chief work being in agriculture; (_b_) 194 primary schools; (_c_) 7 secondary and normal schools; (_d_) 6 industrial schools for girls; (_e_) 2 schools of fine arts; and (_f_) 2 correctional schools and the Central University at the capital. The total school attendance is 100,000, and the total number of teachers is 1,468. The constitution establishes a representative form of government--a republic. The government is of executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The national congress meets annually at the capital, Santo Domingo, on February 27 for a period of 90 days, which may be extended 60 days if necessary. It is composed of a senate of 12 members, one from each province, and of a chamber of deputies of 24 members, two from each province. Senators are elected by indirect vote for a term of six years, and the senate is renewed by thirds every two years. Deputies are elected by indirect vote for a period of four years, and the chamber is renewed by half every two years. Suffrage is free to all male citizens over 18 years old. The President is the executive authority of the republic. He is elected for six years by indirect vote. There is no Vice-President. The cabinet is composed of seven functionaries: the Secretary of Interior and Police, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Secretary of Treasury and Commerce, Secretary of War and Marine, Secretary of Justice and Public Instruction, Secretary of Agriculture and Immigration, and Secretary of Promotion and Communications.