Politics of Monaco

The politics of Monaco have traditionally been under the autocratic control of the Prince of Monaco, and from its founding, the principality was a monarchy ruled by the House of Grimaldi; however, with the creation of a Constitution in 1911, the Prince relinquished his autocratic rule and the principality became a constitutional monarchy. Though he remains the head of state, some of his former power is now devolved to several advisory and legislative bodies.

Constitution

"Main article: Constitution of Monaco"

A first Constitution of Monaco was adopted in 1911 and a new one, awarded by Prince Rainier III on December 17, 1962, outlines legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government, which consist of several administrative offices and a number of councils. Despite having relinquished some of his formerly absolute power, the Prince of Monaco remains head of state and retains most of the country's governing power; however, the principality's judicial and legislative bodies may operate independent of his control.

Executive branch

Prince
Albert II|
6 April 2005
-
Minister of State
Jean-Paul Proust|
May 1 2005The Council of Government is under the authority of the prince. The prince is hereditary, the minister of state appointed by the monarch from a list of three French national candidates presented by the French Government. The prince is advised by the Crown Council of Monaco.

Legislative branch

The unicameral National Council ("Conseil National") has 24 seats. The members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms.

Political parties and elections

Judicial branch

The supreme courts are the Judicial revision court ("Cour de révision judiciaire"), which hears civil and criminal cases (as well as some administrative cases), and the Supreme tribunal ("tribunal suprême"), which performs judicial review. Both courts are staffed by French judges (appointed among judges of French courts, members of the Conseil d'État and university professors).

Administrative divisions

none; there are no first-order administrative divisions, but there are four quarters (quartiers, singular - quartier): Fontvieille, La Condamine, Monaco-Ville and Monte-Carlo. They have a joined Communal Council of Monaco.

International organization participation

:See also: Foreign relations of MonacoACCT, ECE, IAEA, ICAO, ICRM, IFRCS, IHO, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, International Criminal Police Organization - Interpol, IOC, ITU, OPCW, OSCE, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, Council of Europe.

External links

* [http://www.riviera-magazine.com/tourisme/monaco/MonacoConstitution-us.html A summary of the principality's constitution]