Government

Under the constitution of 1973, the government is headed by a president, elected for a seven-year term. The president is assisted by a vice president, premier, and ministers, all appointed by him. The People's Council is an elected one-house parliament. The constitution declares Syria to be a socialist state. It does not designate the state as Islamic, but specifies that the president be a Muslim.

The judicial system is based on French, Ottoman, and Islamic jurisprudence. The Supreme Constitutional Court decides questions of constitutionality. The Court of Cassation is the highest court of appeals for most matters.

Syria maintains a large army and air force and a small navy. Military service is compulsory for men, making practical a large militia organization. The civil police forces are also under military control.