Bahrain’s Government

Bahrain is a hereditary constitutional monarchy. This means Bahrain has a King as well as a constitution which outlines the different government authorities, their roles, and how they should cooperate. Bahrain’s 2002 Constitution includes a set of democratic reforms announced by the King and guarantees freedom of religion, expression, and the press. The Constitution guarantees municipal and parliamentary elections and establishes a bi-cameral parliament.

Bahrain has three main government authorities: the Legislative branch, the Executive branch, and the Judicial branch.

The Legislative Branch

Bahrain’s Legislative branch consists of a bicameral legislature, called the National Assembly. The National Assembly has two houses: a Council of Representatives composed of 40 representatives who are elected by the people of Bahrain, as well as a Consultative Council appointed directly by the King. All legislation must be passed by a majority both in both houses of the national assembly, and must be ratified by the King.

Bahrain Shura Council
Bahrain Judicial Branch

The Judicial Branch

Bahrain has a civil law court which deals with commercial, civil, and criminal cases as well as religious law courts for the Muslim community.

The Executive Branch

The Kingdom of Bahrain’s Constitution affirms that the Executive branch is vested in His Majesty the King together with the Cabinet of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister.