Macedonia is a sovereign republic with multi-party parliamentary democracy. Authority in Macedonia is based on the principle on strict division of functions and responsibilities among the holders of legislative, executive and judicial powers.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia represents the Republic, and acts as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. The President is elected on general and direct elections, with a mandate of five years, and a maximum of two terms.

The Parliament (Sobranie), the legislative body, is the central and most important institution of state authority. The unicameral assembly is composed of 120 Members of Parliament with four-year mandates. Members are elected by popular vote from party lists, based on the percentage parties gain of the overall vote in each of six election districts, 20 seats each.

Executive authority rests with the Government, which is headed by the Prime Minister. The cabinet ministers are appointed by the Prime Minister Designate and approved by a majority vote in the National Assembly.

Legal system

The Macedonian legal system is based on civil law. The judiciary is constituted of basic and appellate courts, the Supreme Court, the Constitutional Court, and the Republican Judicial Council. Parliament appoints judges to serve on each of these courts.