Trinidad and Tobago

The three branches

Head of state — President

Elected by an electoral college of both Houses for five years.

Executive — Cabinet led by the Prime Minister

Responsible to the House of Representatives.

Legislative — Parliament

House of Representatives (41 elected) and Senate (31 appointed).

Judicial — Supreme Court of Judicature

Court of Appeal and High Court; the Judicial and Legal Service Commission appoints.

How legislation is made

Bills pass three readings in each House and receive presidential assent. A bill inconsistent with fundamental rights may still be enacted under section 13 if passed by three-fifths of the members of each House and expressly stated to have that effect. Ordinary constitutional amendments require two-thirds of both Houses.

Enforcement institutions

Trinidad and Tobago Police Service

Commissioner appointed through a Police Service Commission process ratified by Parliament.

Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions

Independent under section 90 of the Constitution.

Police Complaints Authority

Independent civilian body investigating police misconduct and corruption.

Integrity Commission

Administers declarations of assets by public officials.