Antigua and Barbuda · Government
Government and administration in Antigua and Barbuda
How the executive, legislature and administrative state are organised, and which body is responsible for what.
The three branches
- Head of state — The King, represented by the Governor-General
- Acts on ministerial advice.
- Executive — Cabinet led by the Prime Minister
- Responsible to the House of Representatives.
- Legislative — Parliament
- House of Representatives (17 elected) and Senate (17 appointed).
- Local — Barbuda Council
- Statutory body with local government powers over Barbuda.
How legislation is made
Bills pass three readings in both Houses and receive the Governor-General's assent. Entrenched provisions require a two-thirds majority of both Houses, and certain provisions — including those on fundamental rights and the Barbuda land regime as amended — additionally require approval by referendum.
Enforcement institutions
- Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda
- National police service.
- Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
- Independent prosecution authority.
- Financial Services Regulatory Commission
- Regulates international business corporations, gaming and insurance.
- Office of the Ombudsman
- Investigates administrative injustice.
Government bodies and regulators
- executiveMinistry of Legal Affairs and the Attorney GeneralPrincipal legal adviser and administrator of legal affairs.
- independentOffice of the Director of Public ProsecutionsIndependent authority for criminal prosecutions.
- independentFinancial Services Regulatory CommissionRegulates international business, insurance and gaming.
- independentOffice of the OmbudsmanInvestigates administrative injustice.
- localBarbuda CouncilLocal government for Barbuda.
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