Palau

The three branches

Head of state and government — President of Palau

Directly elected for a four-year term; not a member of the legislature.

Executive — Cabinet of ministries

Appointed by the President with Senate confirmation.

Legislative — Olbiil Era Kelulau (National Congress)

Bicameral: a 13-member Senate and a 16-member House of Delegates, one delegate per state.

State — Sixteen state governments

Each with its own constitution, governor and legislature.

Traditional — Council of Chiefs

Paramount chief of each state; advises the President on customary matters.

How legislation is made

Bills must pass both the Senate and the House of Delegates and are then presented to the President, who may veto; Congress may override with a two-thirds vote of each chamber. Because the House gives every state one delegate regardless of population, the smallest states hold disproportionate weight in the second chamber. Constitutional amendments require a three-quarters vote of each house or a convention, followed by approval at referendum in a majority of the states.

Enforcement institutions

Bureau of Public Safety

National police, fire and maritime law enforcement.

Office of the Attorney General

Prosecutions and legal advice to the national government.

Office of the Public Defender

Criminal defence where the constitutional right to counsel applies.

Environmental Quality Protection Board

Permitting and enforcement, including for the National Marine Sanctuary.