Government

The Republic of Armenia is a sovereign, democratic, social, rule of law state. The state power is administered pursuant to the Constitution and the laws based on the principle of separation of the legislative, executive and judicial branches.

The Constitution of the Republic of Armenia adopted on July 5, 1995, through a popular referendum provided legal guarantees of civil rights, the development of democratic institutions, and the creation of a market economy to secure the future stability of the Armenian state.

The President

Armenia is a republic with a presidential governing system. The president is the head of state. The people directly elect the President for a five-year term. The same person cannot hold the office of president for more than two consecutive terms.

The President's primary responsibility is the formulation of policy, the conduct of foreign and policies, and ensuring the normal functioning of state institutions.

Serzh Sargsyan was elected President of the Republic of Armenia in February 2008.

The legislative branch

Legislative power in the Republic of Armenia belongs to the National Assembly (Parliament), which implements its activities through sessions, permanent and temporary committees, as well as through its deputies.The National Assembly is a single-chamber representative body. Its members are elected by a combination of single member district and proportional representation.

On May 12, 2007, the Republic of Armenia held parliamentary elections, 131 deputies (or Members of Parliament) elected, 56 were elected through the majoritarian electoral system and 75 deputies were elected through the proportional representation system. The proportional representation system provides for seats for political parties and political blocs divided according to a proportional system.

The National Assembly is convened twice a year: in spring (from the first Monday of February to the second Wednesday of June) and autumn (from the second Monday of September to the second Wednesday of December). Extraordinary sessions may be convened by the President of the Republic at the initiative of the Government, or at least one third of the total number of deputies; and by the Chairman of the National Assembly at the initiative of the Government or at least one third of the total number of deputies.

The Chairman of the National Assembly is elected by a majority of votes in a secret ballot by the Members of Parliament.

Permanent parliamentary committees prepare and discuss legislation, acts, and issues that are under the powers of the National Assembly. They also oversee their implementation. There are nine permanent committees in the National Assembly. If necessary, ad hoc committees are formed.

In conformity with Article 29 of the Rules of Procedure of the National Assembly, the members of Parliament who have been elected to the National Assembly by the proportional vote registered in party or election bloc lists, set up parliamentary factions irrespective the number of members of parliament.

The executive branch

Executive power in the Republic of Armenia is vested in the Government of the Republic of Armenia.
The Government is composed of the Prime Minister and the Ministers. The powers of the Government are determined by the Constitution and by laws.

 The judicial branch

In the Republic of Armenia justice is carried out by Courts in accordance with the Constitution and the Law. In the Republic of Armenia, the courts of general competence are: courts of first instance, review courts and the Court of Appeals. There are also economic, military and other courts provided by the Law. The President of the Republic serves as a guarantor of independence of judicial bodies. He is the Head of the Council of Justice.

On February 6, 1996, a Constitutional Court consisting of nine members (five appointed by Parliament and four by the President) was established. The responsibility of this court is to judge the constitutionality of the laws, Presidential decrees, and governmental resolutions. The Court also judges the constitutionality of international agreements and resolves disputes concerning the results of elections and referenda.