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Antigua and Barbuda: Government

Key Figures

Chief of State:
King Charles III; represented by Governor General Rodney Williams
Head of Government:
Prime Minister Gaston Browne

Overview

Government Name:
Antigua and Barbuda
Constitution:
Adopted: 1981; Establishes the state, structures the government, discusses fundamental rights and freedoms, and provides information about finances and judicial provisions.
Government Type:
Constitutional Monarchy and a Commonwealth Realm
Antigua and Barbuda Flag
Coat of Arms of Antigua and Barbuda

Index of Economic Freedom

There is no Index of Economic Freedom rating for Antigua and Barbuda

Country Risk Rating

There is no Country Risk Rating for Antigua and Barbuda

Government Branches

Main Powers Election Process Election Cycle 1
Executive

The kng has mainly a ceremonial role. The governor-general represents the king and acts on the advice of the prime minister. The prime minister's main role is to advise the governor-general on the appointment of council of ministers and preside over the senate.

The king is hereditary. The governor-general is appointed by the king. The prime minister is appointed by the governor-general.

Governor-General: at His Majesty's pleasure; Prime Minister: at His Majesty's pleasure
Judicial

The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) is the superior court of record and has unlimited jurisdiction. It is charged with interpreting and applying the laws, deciding cases of both civil and criminal matters, and hearing appeals.

Judges are appointed by the judicial and legal services commission of the Caribbean community.

Justices of Appeal: retirement at age 65; High Court Judges: retirement at age 62
Legislative

The senate is the upper house of parliament. The house of representatives is the lower chamber of parliament.

17 senate members are elected by the governor-general. 17 house of representatives members are elected by simple majority vote in single-member constituencies and 2 members are designated ex officio.

Senate: 5 years; House of Representatives: 5 years

Regional Trade Blocs
CARICOM
OECS

International Organization Participation [2]

Environmental Agreements [3]

Tax Information [2]

Tax Authority:
Information not available
Tax Name:
Information not available

Sources:

  1. ElectionGuide http://www.electionguide.org/
  2. EY, http://www.ey.com
  3. CIA World Factbook, https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/
  4. U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/