MALAYSIA
Capital: Kuala Lumpu r Type of Government: Constitutional Monarchy
Administrative divisions: 13 states (Johore, Kedah, Kelantan, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Pulau Pinang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor and Terengganu) and 1 federal
territory (Wilayah Persekutuan) with three components (Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya)
Structure of Legislature: Bicameral
EXECUTIVE
Head of State (Yang di-Pertuan Agong)
The Yang di-Pertuan Agongs role is that of a
constitutional monarch, which is primarily
ceremonial in nature.
Elected by the Conference of Rulers (Majlis Raja-
Raja) for a term of five years; election is on a
rotational basis among rulers of 9 states
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong appoints the Perdana
Menteri(Prime Minister) and other high-ranking
office holders.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong can withhold consent to
a request for the dissolution of Parliament.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong can call for a general
election.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is the Supreme
Commander of the Federation.
The Yang di-Pertuan has the power to grant
pardons.
The Yang di-Pertuan appoints the Jemaah Menteri
(Cabinet of Ministers) to advise him in the exercise
of his functions.
Head of Government (Perdana Menteri)
The Prime Minister appoints Parliamentary
Secretaries from among the members of either
House of Parliament.
The Prime Minister appoints political secretaries.
The Prime Minister is designated from among members of the
House of Representatives of Dewan Rakyat.
The leader who commands support of the majority of members
in the House becomes the prime minister.
Main Religion: Islam
LEGISLATIVE
Senate (Dewan Negara)
The Senate has a total of 70 seats. (40members
are appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong; 26
members are indirectly elected by the state
legislatures 2 for each state; 2 members for the High Court in Sabah and Sarawak
Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur; 1 member
from Labuan; and 1 member for the Federal
Territory of Putrajaya)
The term of office of a member of the Senate shall Court of Appeal
be three years.
The Senate has the power to initiate legislation,
except for financial and fiscal matters.
The Senate has the right of amendment but
limited in the case of financial and fiscal matters.
House of Representatives (Dewan Rakyat)
The House of Representatives shall consist of 222 Federal Court (Mahkamah Persekutuan)
elected members. (209 members come from the
States in Malaysia; 13 come from the Federal
Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and
Putrajaya)
The members of the Dewan Rakyat are directly
elected in single-seat constituencies by simple
majority vote.
The term of office of a member of the House of
Representatives shall be five years.
The House of Representatives convenes sessions
and examines the admissibility of petitions,
questions, bills and amendments.
Independence: 31 August 1957
JUDICIARY
High Court in Malaya
The High Court in Malaya shall consist of a Chief
Judge and not less than four judges but shall not
exceed sixty judges.
The High Court in Sabah and Sarawak shall consist of
a Chief Judge and not less than four judges but shall
not exceed ten judges.
The Court of Appeal shall consist of a chairman or the
President of the Court of Appeal and of ten other
judges.
A judge of a High Court may sit as a judge of the Court
of Appeal where the President of the Court of Appeal
considers that the interests of justice so require.
The Federal Court shall consist of a president of the
Court, of the President of the Court of Appeal, of the
Chief Judges of the High Courts and of four other
judges.
NOTE:
Judges serve until mandatory retirement at age 65.
Malaysia has a dual judicial hierarchy of civil and religious
(sharia) courts.

Capital: Singapore Type of Government: Parliamentary Republic
Constituencies: 13 single-member constituencies, 16 multi-member (4 to 6 members) group representation constituencies (GRCs)
Structure of Legislature: Unicameral
EXECUTIVE
Head of State (The President)
The President appoints the Prime Minister.
The President can withhold consent to a request for
a dissolution of Parliament.
The President appoints high-ranking office holders
i.e. the Chief Justice, Judges and Judicial
Commissioners of the Supreme Court, the Chairman
and members of the Presidential Council for
Minority Rights, the chairman and members of an
advisory board etc.
The President appoints members of statutory
boards.
The President appoints directors of Government
companies.
The President may (withhold or) assent to certain
bills and provisions.
The President has the power to grant pardons.
The President has a term of office of six years.
The President is directlyelected by simple majority
popular vote.
Head of Government (Prime Minister) & Cabinet
There shall be a Cabinet which shall consist of the
Prime Minister and such other Ministers.
The Prime Minister is appointed by the President
who is likely to command the confidence of the
majority of the members of Parliament.
The Prime Minister shall attend and preside at
meetings of the Cabinet.
The Prime Minister may charge any Minister with
responsibility for any department or subject.
SINGAPORE
Main Religion: Taoism
LEGISLATIVE
Parliament
The Parliament is consist of: 89 members directly
elected by popular vote, 9 nominated by the
President, and a maximum of 9 (but currently 3)
non-constituency members from opposition
parties (to ensure political diversity).
In order to ensure the representation in
Parliament of Members from the Malay, Indian
and other minority communities, each group
representation constituency (GRC) must enable
elections of three to six members of that
constituency, one of whom must be from the
Malay, Indian or another minority.
The non-constituency and nominated members of
the Parliament shall not vote on any motion
pertaining to a Bill to amend the Constitution,
vote of no confidence in the Government and in
removing the President from office.
The members have a term of office of five years.
The Parliament has the power to make laws and
initiate general legislation.
The Parliament exercises financial control by
requiring the Government to seek the approval of
the House for its annual budget.
NOTE:
The President shares legislative powers with the
Parliament. The President is a part of the legislature.
Independence: 9 August 1965
JUDICIARY
Supreme Court
The Supreme Court shall consist of the president or
Chief Justice and 16 justices. It is organized into an
upper tier Court of Appeal anda lower tier High
Court.
It shall consist of the president or chief justice and 16
justices
The Chief Justice, the Judges of Appeal and the Judges
of the High Court shall be appointed by the President
from candidates recommended by the prime
minister.
The Judge of the Supreme Court shall hold office until
he attains the age of 65 years or such later time not
being later than 6 months after he attains that age.
All proceedings relating to the election of the
President shall be heard and determined by the Chief
Justice or by a Judge of the Supreme Court.
The Election Judge shall have the power to hear and
determine and make such orders on proceedings
relating to the election of the President.

Capital: Phnom Penh Type of Government: Multi-party Democracy under a Constitutional Monarchy
Independence: 9 November 1953 Constituencies: 158 districts
Structure of Legislature: Bicameral
EXECUTIVE
Head of State (The King)
The King shall be head of state for life. The king is
inviolable
The Cambodian monarchy is an elected regime. The King
shall have no power to appoint his successor.
The King should be a member of the Royal family, at least
30 years old and a descendant of King Ang Doung,
Norodom or Sisowath.
If the King is unable to function, the President may take
over as the Kings Regent
The King shall appoint the Prime Minister and Council of
Ministers in accordance to Art. 119.
The King shall sign Royal Decrees (appointing,
transferring or removal of public officers) upon the
request of the Council of Ministers.
The King, together with PM, President of Nat Ass and
President, can declare a state of emergency.
The King is the Supreme Commander of the Armed
Forces.
The King can grant pardons and amnesties, sign and
ratify treaties and provide national decorations
Head of Government (Council of Ministers ->Prime Minister)
The party with the largest number of seats in the Nat Ass
shall form the Royal Govt upon which the Council of
Ministers will come from after a vote of confidence from
the Nat Ass.
Members of the Royal Government shall be collectively
responsible to the Nat Ass for the overall policy of the
Royal Government.
The organization and functioning of the Council of
Ministers shall be determined by law.
CAMBODIA
LEGISLATIVE
National Assembly
The Nat Ass is consist of: at least 120 members directly
elected by through a free, universal, equal, direct and
secret ballot, popular representation. The term of the
Nat Ass is 5 years and ends when the new takes place.
Between Nat Ass sessions, the Standing Committee of
the National Assembly shall manage the work of the
National Assembly. The SC of the National Assembly
consists of the President of the National Assembly, the
Vice-Presidents and all Chairpersons of the National
Assembly Commissions.
The Nat Ass shall approve the national budget, State
planning, lending, borrowing, financial contracts, and
the imposition, modification or abolition of taxes, shall
approve administration accounts, shall adopt the law
on general amnesty, shall approve or repeal
international treaties and conventions and
proclamation of war.
The Nat Ass shall pass a vote of confidence in the Royal
Government by an absolute majority vote of all
Members.
The Senate
The Senate consists of members whose numbers shall
not exceed one half of the Nat Ass. The term is 6 years.
The King shall appoint two Senators, the Nat Ass shall
elect two by majority vote and the rest are through a
non-universal election.
If the Senate makes recommendations and approves
the law, or doesn't make any recommendation, within
the time limit stipulated above, the law adopted by the
Nat Ass shall be promulgated.
Main Religion: Buddhism
JUDICIARY
Supreme Court
The Judicial is an independent power which concerns
itself on all legal cases including admin cases
Judges shall not be dismissed. However, the Supreme
Council of the Magistracy shall take disciplinary
actions against any judge who makes mistake(s)..
The Supreme Council of the Magistracy shall be
chaired by the King. The King may appoint his
representative to chair the Supreme Council of the
Magistracy.
The Supreme Council of the Magistracy shall make
requests to the King on the appointment of judges
and prosecutors to all courts.
The Constitutional Council consists of nine members
who are appointed for a term of nine-years. One third
of the members of the Constitutional Council shall be
replaced every three years. Three members shall be
appointed by the King, three by the Nat Ass and three
by the Supreme Council of the Magistracy. They
interpret the Constitution and laws adopted by Nat
Ass

Capital: Bangkok Type of Government: Unitary Parliament under Constitutional Monarchy
Independence: NA
Administrative divisions: 76 provinces 877 districts
Structure of Legislature: Bicameral
EXECUTIVE
Head of State (The King)
The King is the head of the Thai Armed Forces.
The King selects and appoints the President of the
Privy Council and not more than eighteen Privy
Councilors to constitute the Privy Council which
aids him as advisers.
Whenever the King is absent from the Kingdom or
unable to perform His functions for any reason
whatsoever, the King will appoint a person as the
Regent and the President of the National Assembly
shall countersign the Royal Command.
Head of Government (Prime Minister and Council)
The Prime Minister is selected by the House of
Representatives, with the President of the House of
Representatives submitting a recommendation to
the King for appointment. Usually the person
recommended for appointment as Prime Minister is
the leader of the political party having the largest
number of elected Members of Parliament.
The Council of Ministers set governmental policy
and goals, and expect that the individual ministers
and deputy ministers will carry out those policies
and goals within their own designated ministries.
He is responsible for the administration of all
government agencies except the courts and the
legislative bodies. The Prime Minister selects
members of the HoR, whom he wants named as
Ministers or Deputy Ministers to head up the
activities of each of the individual ministries of the
government.
THAILAND
Main Religion: Buddhism
LEGISLATIVE
National Assembly
The National Assembly consists of the House of
Representatives and the Senate.
The President of the House of Representatives
shall be President of the National Assembly. The
President of the Senate shall be Vice-President of
the National Assembly.
Both houses share the power of legislation, consti
amendments and passing of appropriation bills.
House of Representatives (Dewan Rakyat)
The House of Representatives consists of five
hundred members including; 375 from the
election on a constituency basis, 125 members
from the election on a party list basis with a term
for 4 years.
The members have the power to create and
appoint committees to examine bills, remove PM
and vote for PM appointment recommendation.
Senate
The Senate is composed of 150 senators, 76 from
direct election and 74 from appointment by
selection committee, 6 years.
The members have the power to pass approval
resolutions advising the King to appoint public
officers.
JUDICIARY
The King appoints and removes judges and tribunals.
In case of vacating office upon death, retirement or
expiration of term, or being discharged from official
service as a result of punishment, the King shall be
informed accordingly.
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the land in
which all of its decisions are final and executory. It
hears appeals or contests against the decision of the
Courts of Appeal, the Regional Courts of Appeal or the
Courts of First Instance, which their descriptions will
be discussed later on this article.
The Courts of Appeal is divided into two divisions but
both of which handles appeals on the decisions or
orders of the lower courts whereas The Court of
Appeal hears appeals on the decisions or order of
both the Criminal and Civil Courts. The Regional
Courts of Appeal hears appeals on the decisions or
order of the other Courts of First Instance.
The Constitutional Court has power to review the
application of any pertinent law involved in any case
before any court. The Constitutional Court can invoke
its jurisdiction either by reference by the court before
which the case is pending, or by objection by any
party involved in that lawsuit claiming that the
provisions of the law are inconsistent with the
Constitution.

Capital: Dili Type of Government: Democratic Republic
Structure of Legislature: Unicameral
EXECUTIVE
Head of State (President of the
Republic)
The President is the Supreme
Commander of the Armed Forces.
The President has a term of office
of five years.
The President of the Republics
term of office may be renewed
only once.
The President is able to
promulgate laws or veto
legislation.
The President is able to dissolve
the National Parliament and
dismiss the Government.
The President is able to give
amnesty &grant pardons.
The President is able to call
national elections.
The President is able to declare a
state of siege and emergency,
declare war and make peace.
The President is able to appoint,
swear in and remove the Prime
Minister and Government
Members from office.
The President is able to appoint
the President of the Supreme
Court and swear in the President
of High Administrative, Tax and
Audit Court.
Timor Leste
Main Religion: Christianity
LEGISLATIVE
National Parliament (Parlamento Nacional)
The National Parliament is the organ of
sovereignty with legislative supervisory
and political decision making powers.
The National Parliament is a unicameral
parliament with one, nationwide
constituency. It is composed of a
minimum of fifty-two (52) and a
maximum of sixty-five (65) members and
the members have a term of office of five
years.
The National Parliament makes laws on
basic issues of the countrys domestic
and foreign policy.
The National Parliament is able to ratify
appointments of the President of the
Republic.
The National Parliament may, following
proposal by one-quarter of the Members,
pass a vote of no confidence on the
Government with respect to the
implementation of its program or any
relevant matter of national interest.
The National Parliament is able to
deliberate progress reports of the
Government and deliberate the State Plan
and Budget.
The National Parliament approves and
renounces agreements and can ratify
treaties and international conventions.
The National Parliament grants amnesty.
Independence: 20 May 2002
JUDICIARY
Supreme Court of Justice
The Supreme Court of Justice is
the highest court of law. The
Supreme Court of Justice
administers justice on matters of
juridical, constitutional and
electoral nature.
Superior Council for the Judiciary
The Superior Council for the
Judiciary is the organ of conduct
and discipline of the judges. The
Superior Council for the
Judiciary appoints, assigns,
transfers and promotes the
judges.
It is composed of:one
designated by the President of
the Republic,
one elected by the National
Parliament, and one
designated by the Government
High Administrative, Tax and Audit
Court
The High Administrative, Tax
and Audit Court is the highest
body in the hierarchy of the
administrative, tax and audit
courts responsible for
monitoring the legality of public
expenditure and auditing State
Political Culture
Loyalties and support to political
actors by East Timorese people is
not simply based on the position
of key political contenders within
the former freedom fighting
movement of the Indonesian era
nor on the promises they made
during campaigns but rather it is
in terms of the indigenous
conceptualizations of leadership
by the East Timorese people.
Leaders are derived from former
liurai (kings) and noble families
and their allies. They are believed
to possess luli (spiritual potency
possessed by people or through
possessing ancestral objects that
are imbued with it) that is used to
legitimize authority and power.
Catholic Churchs support and
molding of these political elites
had a lasting impact on the
cultural and political development
of Timor Leste. The scions of
families from the top of the
traditional hierarchy were
indoctrinated and educated by the
Jesuit order of the Catholic Church
initially to prepare them to be part
of the Portuguese colonial
government in Dili.
 In order to qualify to run for the
presidency, one must be an
original citizen of East Timor,
must be at least 35 years of age,
must be in possession with
his/her faculties, must be
proposed by a minimum of five
thousand voters.
The President is elected by
absolute majority of validly
expressed votes.
The President is elected through a
two-round system with a 50%+1
threshold system. If no candidate
obtains more than half of the
votes, a second round shall take
place and only the two candidates
with the highest number of votes
in the first round will qualify.
Moreover, the Council of State is
the political consultative body or
advisory body to the head of state.
The Council of State is comprised
of former Presidents of the
Republicwho were not removed
from office, the President of the
National Parliament, the Prime
Minister, five citizens elected by
the National Parliament, five
citizens designated by the
President of the Republic.
Head of Government (Prime Minister)
The Prime Minister convenes or
chairs the Council of Ministers.
(The Council of Ministers is
constituted by the Prime
The National Parliament proposes to the accounts. Through blatant political rhetoric,
President the submission to referendum Military Courts elites reinforce their image as
of issues of national interest. The military courts are national heroes and remind the
The National Parliament approves responsible for judging in first population at every opportunity
revisions of the Constitution by a instance crimes of military that they were leaders in the fight
majority of two-thirds of the members. nature. for independence. As national
The National Parliament authorizes, heroes, they still maintain cultural
confirms or suspends declaration of the legitimacy in a similar manner to
state of siege and emergency. founders and traditional leaders.
Candidatures for parliamentary elections
must be presented by duly recognized
political parties on party or coalition lists.
One in every three candidates on the list
must be a woman.
No political party or party coalition may
present more than one list of candidates.
No one can be a candidate on more than
one list. Each list must contain the names
of 65 candidates and at least 25
alternative candidates.
The members of the National Parliament
are elected through a closed-list
proportional representation system. Each
voter selects one list from among the
plurinominal lists presented by political
parties or party coalitions. There is a 3%
threshold to enter parliament. Seats are
allocated according to the highest
average system, using dHondt method.
Vacancies arising between general
elections are filled by the next-in-line
candidates. Vacancies by women must be
filled by the next women candidates. It is
important to note that the Standing
Committee sits when the National
Parliament is dissolved or in recession.
 Minister, the Deputy Prime
Ministers and the Ministers.
The Prime Minister shall be
designated by the political party
or alliance of political parties
with parliamentary majority.
The Prime Minister shall be
appointed by the President of
the Republic, after consultation
with the political parties in the
National Parliament.
Government (Executive Branch, with
exclusive legislative powers)
The Government is responsible for
conducting and executing the
general policy.
The Government must develop its
program and submit it to the
National Parliament for
consideration.
The members of the Government
shall be appointed by the
President of the Republic with the
proposal of the Prime Minister.
The Government defines and
implements the general policy of
the country.
The Government may request the
National Parliament to take a vote
of confidence on a statement of
general policy or on any relevant
matter of national interest.
The Government ensures public
order and social discipline.
The Government prepares the
State Plan and Budget.
The Government regulates
economic and social sector
activities.
The Government proposes to the
President the submission to
referendum.
The remaining members of the
Government shall be appointed
by the President of the Republic
on the proposal by the Prime
Minister.

Capital: Vientiane Type of Government: Communist
Structure of Legislature: Unicameral
EXECUTIVE
Head of State (The President)
The President of the State is
elected by the National Assembly
with two-thirds of the votes of all
members of the National
Assembly attending the session.
The term of office of the President
of the State is the same as the term
of office of the National Assembly.
The President of the State has the
following rights and duties:
To promulgate the Constitution
and laws already adopted by the
National Assembly;
To issue presidential edicts and
decrees;
To propose the appointment or
removal of the Prime Minister to
the
National Assembly for
consideration and decision;
To appoint or remove the Prime
Minister, [and to] appoint, transfer
or remove members of the
government after approval by the
National Assembly;
To appoint or remove the Vice-
President of the Peoples Supreme
Court based on the
recommendation of the President
of the Peoples Supreme Court,
LAOS
Main Religion: Buddhism
LEGISLATIVE
National Assembly
The National Assembly is the
representative of the rights, powers
andinterests of the multi-ethnic people.
The National Assembly is also the
legislativebranch that has the right to
make decisions on fundamental issues of
the country,[and] to oversee the activities
of the executive organs, the peoples
courts and theOffice of the Public
Prosecutor.
The National Assembly has the following
rights and duties:
To prepare, adopt or amend the
Constitution;
To consider, adopt, amend or abrogate
the laws;
To consider and adopt the determination,
amendment or abrogation of taxes and
duties.
To consider and adopt strategic plans for
socio-economic development and the
State budget
To elect or remove the President, the
Vice-President and members of the
National Assembly Standing Committee
To elect or remove the President and
Vice-President of the State based on the
recommendation of the National
Assembly Standing Committee;
JUDICIARY POLITICAL CULTURE
Peoples court and public prosecutor Source of Legitimization
The peoples courts constitute Inheritance
the judicial branch of the State Consent of the spirit of the land
and consist of: Buddhism
The Peoples Supreme Court;
The appellate courts;
The peoples provincial courts
and city courts;
The peoples district courts;
[and]
The military courts.
In the event that it is deemed
necessary, the National
Assembly Standing Committee
may decide to establish a special
court.
The Peoples Supreme Court
The Peoples Supreme Court is
the highest judicial organ of the
State.
The Peoples Supreme Court
administers the peoples courts
at all levels and the military
courts, and examines and
reviews the decisions reached
by them.
Office of the Public Prosecutor
has the duty to monitor the
implementation of the laws. The
Office of the Public Prosecutor
consists of:
 [and to] appoint or remove the
Deputy Supreme Public
Prosecutor
based on the recommendation of
the Supreme Public Prosecutor;
To appoint, transfer or remove
provincial and city governors
based on the recommendation of
the Prime Minister;
To be the head of the peoples
armed forces;
To decide on promotions or
demotions at the rank of general
in the national defence and
security forces based on the
recommendation of the Prime
Minister;
To convene and preside at the
governments special meetings;
To decide on conferring national
gold medals, orders of merit,
medals of victory and the highest
honorific titles of the State
To decide on general or partial
military conscription and to
declare states of
emergency all over the country or
in any particular locality;
To issue the ratification of or
[secession from] treaties and
agreements signed with foreign
countries;
To appoint and recall
plenipotentiary representatives of
the Lao Peoples Democratic
Republic to or from foreign
To consider and approve the proposed
appointment or removal of the Prime
Minister based on the recommendation
of the President of the State, and to
consider and approve the organisational
structure of the government and the
appointment, transfer or removal of
members of the government based on the
recommendation of the Prime Minister;
To elect or remove the President of the
Peoples Supreme Court and the Supreme
Public Prosecutor based on the
recommendation of the President of the
State;
To decide on the establishment or
dissolution of the ministries, ministry-
equivalent organisations, provincial
authorities and city authorities, and to
determine the boundaries of provinces
and cities based on the recommendation
of the Prime Minister;
To decide on granting amnesties;
To decide on the ratification of or
[withdraw from] treaties and agreements
signed with foreign countries in
accordance with the laws;
To decide on matters of war or peace;
To oversee the observance and
implementation of the Constitution and
laws; [and]
To exercise such other rights and
perform such other duties as provided by
the laws.
The term of office of each National
Assembly legislature is five years.
The Office of the Supreme Public
Prosecutor;
The Office of the Appellate
Public Prosecutor;
The offices of the Public
Prosecutor at provincial and city
levels;
The offices of the Public
Prosecutor at district level;
[and]
The Office of the Military
Prosecutor.
Rights and duties:
To monitor the correct and
uniform implementation of laws
and regulations by all ministries,
ministry-equivalent
organisations, organisations
attached to the government, the
Lao Front for National
Construction, mass
organisations, social
organisations, local
administrations, enterprises,
civil servants and citizens; [and]
To exercise the right of public
prosecution.
supervises the activities of the
offices of the Public Prosecutor
at all levels.
The Deputy Supreme Public
Prosecutor is appointed or
removed by the President of the
State based on the
recommendation of the
Supreme Public Prosecutor.
 countries based on the
recommendation of the Prime
Minister, and to accept the
plenipotentiary representatives of
foreign countries accredited to the
Lao Peoples Democratic Republic;
[and]
To exercise such other rights and
perform such other duties as
provided by the laws.
The President of the State may
have a Vice-President as elected
by the National Assembly with the
votes of more than one-half of the
number of National Assembly
members attending the session.
The Vice-President of the State
executes all tasks assigned to him
by the President of the State and
acts on behalf of the President of
the State if he is [occupied on
other matters].
Government (Executive Branch of the
State)
The government consists of the
Prime Minister, Deputy Prime
Minister[s], ministers and
chairmen of the ministry
equivalent organisations.
The term of office of the
government is the same as the
term of office of the National
Assembly.
Head of the Government (Prime
Minister)
The National Assembly elects its own Public prosecutors and deputy
Standing Committee which consists of public prosecutors at the
the President, the Vice-President and a appellate level, provincial level,
number of members. city level and district level, and
The President and Vice-President of the military prosecutors, are
National Assembly are also the President appointed, transferred or
and Vice-President of the National removed by the Supreme Public
Assembly Standing Committee. Prosecutor.
The National Assembly Standing In carrying out their duties, the
Committee is the permanent body of public prosecutors are subject
theNational Assembly, and is to carry out only to the laws and the
duties on behalf of the National instructions of the Supreme
Assemblyduring the recess of the Public Prosecutor.
National Assembly
The National Assembly Standing
Committee has the following rights and
duties:
To prepare for the National Assembly
sessions and to ensure that the National
Assembly implements its work plan;
To interpret and explain the provisions of
the Constitution and the laws;
To oversee the activities of the executive
organs, the peoples courts and the
[Office of the] Public Prosecutor during
the recess of the National Assembly;
To appoint, transfer or remove judges of
the peoples courts at all levels and of the
military courts;
To summon the National Assembly into
session; [and]
To exercise such other rights and
perform such other duties as provided by
the laws.
The Prime Minister is appointed
or removed by the President of the
State after the approval of the
National Assembly.
head of the government, and
represents the government[; he]
leads and manages the work of the
government, ministries, ministry-
equivalent organisations,
departments and other
organisations attached to the
government; and leads and
manages the work of provinces
and cities.
The organisations and persons that have
the right to propose draft laws are as
follows:
The President of the State;
The National Assembly Standing
Committee;
The Government;
The Peoples Supreme Court;
The Office of the Supreme Public
Prosecutor; [and]
The Lao Front for National Construction
and the mass organisations at the
central level.
Country: Republic of the Philippines (1987)
Religion: Roman Catholic
EXECUTIVE
Executive power shall be vested in the
President of the Philippines.
There is also a Vice-President, elected in the
same manner as the President. Same number
of years in one term, can be appointed as a
part of the Presidents cabinet.
Elected through FPTP vote.
Qualifications:
natural-born citizen of the Philippines, is
at least 45 years old, able to read and
write, a registered voter, and a resident of
the Philippines for not less than 10 years
immediately preceding the day of the
election.
Term: Only 1 term, for 6 years.
Executive Powers:
The President shall have control of all the
executive departments, bureaus, and
offices. He shall ensure that the laws be
faithfully executed.
Commander-in-chief of AFP.
Power to veto laws.
Power to make ordinances
Power over aliens
Power of appointment
Power of general supervision over local
governments
Appointment of Cabinet Secretaries
President may appoint anyone to executive
departments with the consent of the Commission
Capital: Manila Type of Government: Democractic, Unitary Government, Presidential Republic
Legislation: Bicameral Head of State and Head of Government: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte
LEGISLATIVE
Congress of the Philippines consists of the House of
Representatives and The Senate (Bicameral Legislature)
SENATE
Consists of 24 Senators
Qualifications:
natural-born citizen of the Philippines, is at least 35 years old,
able to read and write, a registered voter, and a resident of
the Philippines for not less than two years immediately
preceding the day of the election.
Terms:
can run for 2 consecutive terms, 6 years.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Maximum OF 250 MEMBERS.
Elected through SMD, FPTP system.
Each city with a population of at least 250,000 or each province,
shall have at least one representative.
Party List shall consist 20 percent of the total number of
representatives including those under the party list.
Qualifications:
natural-born citizen of the Philippines, is at least 25 years old,
able to read and write, a registered voter in the district, and a
resident thereof for not less than one yearimmediately
preceding the day of the election.
Terms: can run for 3 consecutive terms, 3 years each.
Specific Legislative Power
Power to appropriate;
Power to act as constituent assembly; (The Senate and the
House of Representatives must convene and vote on joint or
separate session to do this
JUDICIARY
Judicial power rests with the Supreme Court and the
lower courts, as established by law (Art. VIII, sec. 1 of
the 1987 Constitution).
Its duty is to settle actual controversies involving rights
which are legally demandable and enforceable (Art. VIII
Sec. 1 (2)).
Enjoys fiscal autonomy.
Supreme Court is composed of a chief Justice and 14
associate justices who serve until the age of 70.
Chief justice and associate justices are appointed by the
President of the Philippines, chosen from a shortlist
submitted by the Judicial and Bar Council.
Qualifications:
natural-born citizen of the Philippines. A
Member of the Supreme Court must be at least
forty years of age, and must have been for
fifteen years or more a judge of a lower court or
engaged in the practice of law in the Philippines.
According to the 1987 Constitution, Article VIII, Section 5, the
Supreme Court exercises the following powers:
1. Exercise jurisdiction over cases affecting
ambassadors, other public ministers and
consuls, and over petitions for certiorari,
prohibition, mandamus, quo warrantor, and
habeas corpus.
2. Review, revise, reverse, modify, or affirm, on
appeal or certiorari, as the law or the Rules of
Court may provide, final judgments and orders
of the lower courts in:
All cases in which the constitutionality
or validity of any treaty, international or
on Appointments. Names of individuals Power to impeach; (to initiate all cases of impeachment is the executive agreement, law, presidential
nominated to cabinet posts are submitted to the power of the House of Representatives; To try all cases of decree, proclamation, order, instruction,
Commission on Appointments for their impeachment is the power of the Senate.) ordinance, or regulation is in question;
consideration. Power to confirm treaties;(Only the Senate is authorized to use All cases involving the legality of any tax,
this power.) impost, assessment, or toll, or any
1. Executive Secretary
2. Secretary of Agrarian Reform Power to declare the existence of war; (The Senate and the penalty imposed in relation thereto;
3. Secretary of Agriculture House of Representatives must convene in joint session to do All cases in which the jurisdiction of any
4. Secretary of Budget and Management
5. Secretary of Education this.) lower court is in issue;
6. Secretary of Energy
7. Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources
Power to concur amnesty; and All criminal cases in which the penalty
8. Secretary of Finance Power to act as board of canvasser for presidential/vice- imposed is reclusion perpetua or higher;
9. Secretary of Foreign Affairs
10. Secretary of Health presidential votes. All cases in which only an error or
11. Secretary of Justice (by creating a joint congressional committee to do the question of law is involved;
12. Secretary of Labor and Employment
13. Secretary of National Defense canvassing.) 3. Assign temporarily judges of lower courts to
14. Secretary of Public Works and Highways Power to contempt other stations as public interest may require.
15. Secretary of Science and Technology
16. Secretary of Social Welfare and Development Blending of power Such temporary assignments shall not exceed six
17. Secretary of the Interior and Local Government
18. Secretary of Trade and Industry
Delegation of power months without the consent of the judge
19. Secretary of Transportation and Communications Budgetary power concerned.
20. Secretary of Tourism
21. Commission on Higher Education Power to taxation 4. Order a change of venue or place of trial to
22. Director General of the National Economic and Development Authority avoid a miscarriage of justice.
5. Promulgate rules concerning the protection and
enforcement of constitutional rights, pleading,
practice, and procedure in all courts; the admission
to the practice of law, the Integrated Bar; and legal
assistance to the underprivileged. Such rules shall
provide a simplified and inexpensive procedure for
the speedy disposition of cases, shall be uniform for
all courts the same grade, and shall not diminish,
increase or modify substantive rights. Rules of
procedure of special courts and quasi-judicial bodies
shall remain effective unless disapproved by the
Supreme Court.

Capital: Jakarta Type of Government: Republic
Administrative divisions: The Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia shall be divided into provinces and those provinces shall be divided into regencies (kabupaten) and municipalities (kota), each of
which shall have regional authorities which shall be regulated by law (Ch VI, Art 18, Sec 1).
Structure of Legislature: Bicameral
EXECUTIVE
Chief of State and Head of State (The President)
The President of the Republic of Indonesia shall hold the
power of government in accordance with the Constitution.
shall be assisted by a Vice-President
shall be entitled to submit bills to the DPR
may issue Government regulations as required to
implement laws
may not freeze and/or dissolve the DPR
is the Supreme Commander of the Army, the Navy and
the Air Force
with the approval of the DPR may declare war, make
peace and conclude treaties with other countries
in making other international agreements that will produce
an extensive and fundamental impact on the lives of the
people which is linked tothe state financial burden, and/or
that will requires an amendment to or the enactment of a
law, shall obtain the approval of the DPR
may declare a state of emergency
In the appointment of ambassadors, the President shall
have regard to the opinion of the DPR.
may grant clemency and restoration of rights and shall in
so doing have regard to the opinion of the Supreme Court
may grant amnesty and the dropping of charges and shall
in so doing have regard to the opinion of the DPR
Eligibility
Any candidate for President or Vice-President shall be a
citizen of Indonesia since birth, shall never have acquired
another citizenship by his/her own will,shall never have
committed an act of treason against the State, and shall
bementally and physically capable of implementing the
duties and obligations ofPresident or Vice-President.
INDONESIA
Main Religion: Islam Independence: 1949
LEGISLATIVE
The People's Consultative
Assembly (MajelisPermusyawaratan Rakyat
or MPR)
The MPR shall consist of the members of the DPR and
the members of the DPDwho have been elected through
general elections, and shall be regulated further by law.
The MPR shall convene in a session at least once in
every five years in the capital of the State.
All decisions of the MPR shall be taken by a majority
vote.
The MPR has the authority to amend and enact the
Constitution.
The MPR shall inaugurate the President and/or Vice-
President.
The MPR may only dismiss the President and/or Vice-
President during his/her term of office in accordance
with the Constitution.
The People's Representative
Council (DewanPerwakilan Rakyat or DPR)
Members of the DPR shall be elected through a general
election.
Legislation
The DPR shall hold the authority to establish laws.
Each bill shall be discussed by the DPR and the
President to reach joint approval.
If a bill fails to reach joint approval, that bill shall not be
reintroduced within the same DPR term of sessions.
The President signs a jointly approved bill to become a
law.
If the President fails to sign a jointly approved bill within
JUDICIARY
The judicial power shall be independent and shall
possess the power to organize the judicature in order
to enforce law and justice.
The judicial power shall be implemented by a Supreme
Court and judicial bodiesunderneath it in the form of
public courts, religious affairs courts, military tribunals,
and state administrative courts, and by a Constitutional
Court.
Supreme Court
The Supreme Court shall have the authority to hear a
trial at the highest(cassation) level, to review
ordinances and regulations made under any lawagainst
such law, and shall possess other authorities as
provided by law.
Each justice of the Supreme Court must possess
integrity and a personality thatis not dishonourable, and
shall be fair, professional, and possess legal
experience.
Candidate justices of the Supreme Court shall be
proposed by the JudicialCommission to the DPR for
approval and shall subsequently be formally appointed
to office by the President.
The Chair and Vice-Chair of the Supreme Court shall
be elected by and from thejustices of the Supreme
Court.
Judicial Commission
There shall be an independent Judicial Commission
which shall possess theauthority to propose candidates
for appointment as justices of the SupremeCourt and
shall possess further authority to maintain and ensure
the honour,dignity and behaviour of judges.

Election
The President and Vice-President shall be elected as a
single ticket directly by the people.
Each ticket of candidates for President and Vice-President
shall be proposedprior to the holding of general elections
by political parties or coalitions of political parties which
are participants in the general elections.
Any ticket of candidates for President and Vice-President
which polls a vote ofmore than fifty percent of the total
number of votes during the general electionand in addition
polls at least twenty percent of the votes in more than half
of thetotal number of provinces in Indonesia shall be
declared elected as the Presidentand Vice-President.
Term
The President and Vice President shall hold office for a
term of five years and maysubsequently be reelected to
the same office for one further term only.
Removal
The President and/or the Vice-President may be
dismissed from his/her positionduring his/her term of office
by the MPR on the proposal of the House
ofRepresentatives (DewanPerwakilan Rakyat or DPR),
both if it is proven that he/shehas violated the law through
an act of treason, corruption, bribery, or other act of
agrave criminal nature, or through moral turpitude, and/or
that the President and/orVice-President no longer meets
the qualifications to serve as President and/orVice-
President.
Any proposal for the dismissal of the President and/or the
Vice-President maybe submitted by the DPR to the MPR
only by first submitting a request to theConstitutional Court
to investigate, bring to trial, and issue a decision on
theopinion of the DPR either that the President and/or
Vice-President has violatedthe law through an act of
treason, corruption, bribery, or other act of a gravecriminal
nature, or through moral turpitude, and/or that the
President and/orVice-President no longer meets the
30 days following such approval, that bill shall legally
become a law and must be promulgated.
Legislative Oversight of the Executive
The DPR shall hold legislative, budgeting and oversight
functions.
the DPR shall hold the right of interpellation
(interpelasi),the right of investigation (angket), and the
right to declare an opinion
every DPRmember shall hold the right to submit
questions, the right to propose suggestions and
opinions, and the right of immunity
Removal
DPR members may be removed from office, according
to conditions and procedureswhich shall be regulated by
law.
The Council of Representatives
of the Regions (DewanPerwakilan Daerah or
DPD)
The members of the DPD shall be elected from every
province through a generalelection.
The total number of members of DPD in every province
shall be the same, andthe total membership of the DPD
shall not exceed a third of the total membership of the
DPR.
The DPD shall hold a session at least once every year.
Legislation
The DPD may propose to the DPR Bills related to
regional autonomy, therelationship of central and local
government, formation, expansion and mergerof
regions, management of natural resources and other
economic resources, andBills related to the financial
balance between the centre and the regions.
The DPD shall participate in the discussion of Bills
related to regional autonomy;the relationship of central
and local government; formation, expansion, andmerger
of regions; management of natural resources and other
The members of the Judicial Commission shall be
appointed and dismissed by the President with the
approval of the DPR.
Constitutional Court
The Constitutional Court shall possess the authority to
try a case at the first andfinal level and shall have the
final power of decision in reviewing laws against
theConstitution, determining disputes over the
authorities of state institutionswhose powers are given
by this Constitution, deciding over the dissolution of
apolitical party, and deciding disputes over the results
of general elections.
The Constitutional Court shall possess the authority to
issue a decision over anopinion of the DPR concerning
alleged violations by the President and /orVice-
President of this Constitution.
The Constitutional Court shall be composed of nine
persons who shall beconstitutional justices and who
shall be confirmed in office by the President, ofwhom
three shall be nominated by the Supreme Court, three
nominated by the DPR, and three nominated by the
President.
The Chair and Vice-Chair of the Constitutional Court
are elected by and fromthe constitutional justices.
 qualifications to serve as President and/or Vice-President. economicresources, and financial balance between the
The submission of the request of the DPR to the centre and the regions; and shallprovide consideration
Constitutional Court shall onlybe made with the support of to the DPR over Bills on the State Budget and on
at least 2/3 of the total members of the DPR whoare Billsrelated to taxation, education, or religion.
present in a plenary session that is attended by at least The DPD may oversee the implementation of laws
2/3 of the totalmembership of the DPR. concerning regionalautonomy, the formation, expansion
The Constitutional Court has the obligation to investigate, and merger of regions, the relationship ofcentral and
bring to trial, andreach the most just decision on the local government, management of natural resources
opinion of the DPR at the latest ninety days after the and othereconomic resources, implementation of the
request of the DPR was received by the Constitutional State Budget, taxation, education, orreligion and shall in
Court. addition submit the result of such oversight to the DPR
If the Constitutional Court decides that the President inthe form of materials for its further consideration.
and/or Vice-President isproved to have violated the law
through an act of treason, corruption, bribery, orother act Removal
of a grave criminal nature, or through moral turpitude; The members of the DPD may be removed from office
and/or thePresident and/or Vice-President is proved no under requirements andprocedures that shall be
longer to meet the qualificationsto serve as President regulated by law.
and/or Vice-President, the DPR shall hold a
plenarysession to submit the proposal to impeach the
President and/or Vice-Presidentto the MPR.
The MPR shall hold a session to decide on the proposal of
the DPR at the latest thirty days after its receipt of the
proposal.
The decision of the MPR over the proposal to impeach the
President and/orVice-President shall be taken during a
plenary session of the MPR which isattended by at least
3/4 of the total membership and shall require the
approvalof at least 2/3 of the total of members who are
present, after the Presidentand/or Vice-President have
been given the opportunity to present his/herexplanation
to the plenary session of the MPR.

Cabinet
The President shall be assisted by Ministers of State.
Ministers of State shall be appointed and dismissed by the
President.
Each Minister of State shall be responsible for a particular
area of Government activity.
The formation, change, and dissolution of ministries of
state shall be regulated by law.
 BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan Type of Government: Absolute monarchy or sultanate (locally known as Malay Islamic Monarchy)
Main Religion: Islam Independence: January 1, 1984 (UK) Structure of Legislature:Unicameral (Consultative only)
Administrative Divisions: 4 districts (daerah-daerah, singular - daerah); Belait, Brunei-Muara, Temburong, Tutong
Head of State and Head of Government: Sultan and Prime Minister HASSANAL Bolkiah (since 5 October 1967)
EXECUTIVE LEGISLATIVE (?) JUDICIARY
Head of State and Head of Government ( His Majesty the PART VI: THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL Brunei has a dual legal system:
Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan) Legislative Council or Majlis Mesyuarat Negara Judicial power is vested in the Supreme Court and
Brunei (36 seats; members appointed by the sultan; the Subordinate Courts. The Supreme Court
Supreme executive authority of Brunei Darussalam meets annually for approximately two weeks) comprises the High Court and the Court of Appeals,
shall be vested in His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di- The Legislative Council shall consist of six ex-officio while the Subordinate Courts comprises the
Pertuan Members, five Official Members and ten Nominated Magistrates Court.
The constitution allows the existence of a Prime Members. (However, currently there are more than Matters related to the Islamic faith are dealt with by
Minister who shall be appointed by the Sultan. He must 21 members because the Sultan appointed more the Islamic Court or the Shariah.
be a Brunei Malay professing the Muslim Religion. people than as stipulated in the constituition. Power
Currently, the PM and the Sultan positions belong to level: GOD)
The High Court receives appeals from Magistrates
only one person. The ex-officio Members of the Legislative Council Court in the districts and is itself a court of first instance
Prerogative of Mercy (Sultans power to give shall be the Prime Minister, the Minister, the Attorney for criminal and civil cases. Appeal from the High Court
Pardon) General and the Religious Adviser (Accdg to the is submitted to the Court of Appeals. The Judicial
The Sultan has the power the dissolve legislature. constitution). Committee of the Privy Council in London is the final
s Every Official and Nominated Member of the court of appeal for civil cases only.
Legislative Council shall hold his seat therein during
His Majestys pleasure. PART XII: AMENDMENT AND
Election: None. Monarchy is hereditary. The Official Members of the Legislative Council shall INTERPRETATION OF THE CONSTITUTION
Term: Monarchy is hereditary.
be persons who hold public
office and shall be appointed by His Majesty the His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan
PART IV: PRIVY COUNCIL (Malay the Majlis Meayuar at Di- may by Proclamation, amend or revoke any of
Sultan
Raja) (Sultans Advisory group) the provisions of the Constitution including this
The Nominated Members of the Legislative Council shall
be persons who do not hold public office, and shall be section; and this Constitution shall not otherwise
Shall consist of:
appointed by His Majesty and Sultan. be amended.
Ex-officio Members, namely, the Prime Minister, the
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan
Wazirs, Members of the Council of Ministers, and the Disqualification for official and nominated members shall consult the Privy Council in relation to the
person who holds such other office as may from time to No person shall be qualified to be appointed as an exercise of the powers vested in him by this
time be designated by His Majesty the Sultan by Official Member or a Nominated Member of the section but shall not be obliged to act in
Proclamation in the Government Gazette; Legislative Council or having been so appointed shall sit accordance with the advice of that Council.
Shall hold office depending on the Sultans pleasure or vote therein, who: Gin include ko la ini, bangin pwede ma
Functions of the Privy Council: 1. obedience or adherence to power or state outside
 Shall advise His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-
Pertuan in relation to the amendment or revocation of
any of the provisions of this Constitution,
council also advises the Sultan on the conferring of
Malay customary ranks, titles and honours.
It also performs functions such as proclaiming a
succession of regency.
Meetings shall be presided by the Sultan.
No business shall be transacted at any meeting of the
Privy Council if there are less than one-third of the
Members of the Council (besides His Majesty
PART V: THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS
Presided over by His Majesty and shall consist of the
Ministers appointed by the Sultan
Every member shall hold his seat in the Council of
Ministers depending on His Majestys pleasure.
perform the day-to-day administrative functions of
government.
Whenever His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan
or other person presiding desires to obtain the advice
of any person touching the affairs of government, he
may require such person to attend any meeting of the
Council of Ministers for such purpose.
Council of Ministers shall have seniority and
precedence among themselves
Brunei Darussalam. answer ha Judiciary na part. Lol
2. is a person declared to be of unsound mind under any
law in force in Brunei Darussalam; Note: There is no section in Bruneis constitution that
3. has been sentenced by a Court in Brunei Darussalam, discusses about the Judicial Branch of the government.
in any part of the Commonwealth or in the Republic of This was taken on the country profile of Brunei, through
Ireland to death or to imprisonment CIAs website:
4. is an undischarged bankrupt, having been adjudged or https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-
otherwise declared
factbook/geos/bx.html
bankrupt under any law in force in Brunei Darussalam or
This is also based on the government of Bruneis
in any foreign country. publication Brunei Darussalam In Brief. Typeset by
5. is a party to, or a partner in, a firm or a director or Department of Information, Prime Ministers Office,
manager of a company, which is a party to any contract Brunei Darussalam, Revised Edition (2013)
the consideration for which exceeds in value the sum of
1000 dollars with the Government for or on account of
the public service, and has not disclosed to the Speaker
the nature of such contract and his interest, or the
interest of such firm or company therein.
The Sultan has the power the dissolve legislature.
Note: Currently, there are 36 member of the Legislative Council.
Under the 1959 constitution there was an elected Legislative
Council but only one election has ever been held, in 1962. Soon
after that election, the assembly was dissolved following the
declaration of a state of emergency, which saw the banning of
the Brunei People's Party. In 1970 the Council was changed to
an appointed body by decree of the Sultan. In 2004 the Sultan
announced that for the next parliament, 15 of the 20 seats
would be elected. However, no date for the election has been
set.