Kuwait has a written constitution which combines aspects of both presidential and parliamentary systems of government. It was approved on November 11th, 1962 by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Al Sabah.

The Constitution has 183 articles under five key sections:

• Part I The State and System of Government
• Part II Fundamental Constituents of Kuwaiti Society
• Part III Public Rights and Duties
• Part IV Powers
• Chapter III The National Assembly
• Chapter IV The Executive Power
• Section II Financial Affairs
• Section III Military Affairs
• Chapter V The Judicial Power
• Part V General and Transitional Provisions

• Executive power rests with the Amir and is exercised through his ministers who form the Council of Ministers (the Cabinet). This Council comprises 15 or 16 ministers. The Amir appoints the Council of Ministers on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.

• Legislative authority is vested in the Amir and the National Assembly (Majlis Al Umma). The Assembly is composed of 50 members who are elected for a term of 4 years. They represent a wide spectrum of political groupings: Liberals, Democrats, Independents and Islamic groups. Legislation can be initiated by Amiri decree, his Ministers or by the Assembly. No bill can become law in Kuwait unless it is authorised by the Assembly.