Government

Algeria is a republic. The executive branch of the government is headed by a popularly elected president (head of state), who serves a five-year term. The president appoints a prime minister (head of government), who then appoints cabinet ministers. In 1996 a revision to the constitution provided for the creation of a two-chamber legislature. Members of the lower house (National People's Assembly) are popularly elected for five-year terms. Members of the upper house (Council of Nations) serve six-year terms. One-third of the upper house members are appointed by the president; the other two-thirds are indirectly elected by municipal councils. The municipal councils are elected assemblies that govern each of Algeria's 48 wilayas (provinces).

The country's judicial system consists of a supreme court, lower courts, and special courts for crimes against the state.