Government

Under the constitution of 1995, Kazakhstan is a republic. The president, who is popularly elected, is the head of state. The president wields significant power, including the power to dissolve the legislature and to rule by decree. The President serves a term of seven years. The legislature is made up of two houses: an upper house, the Senate (39 members) and a lower house, Mazhilis (107 members). All citizens above 18 years are eligible to vote. The prime minister, who is appointed by the president with the approval of the legislature, is the head of government. A cabinet is also appointed by the president.

There are 14 oblasts (provinces) and 3 cities, Almaty, Astana, and Bayqongyr, in the country. Each province is governed by a governor appointed by the President.

Other than the Communist Party which dominated until 1990 some other parties also exist in Kazakhstan. The political parties however do not control government affairs. There is a law which states that parties must have at least 50,000 members to be officially recognized by the government.

The Supreme Court is the highest court in the country. The Supreme Court judges are chosen by the parliament to ten-year terms. Regional and local courts also hear appeals.

There are two types of military units in Kazakhstan— the Kazakh armed forces and the Kazakhstan National Guard.