How Does the Government of Iraq Work?

Based on a constitution ratified in 2005, the Iraqi government took office the following year. This constitution details a number of groups responsible for governing the country. Power sharing is managed through a system of checks and balances.

National Assembly

According to the constitution of Iraq, the Iraqi National Assembly is composed of 275 representatives. These members are elected by the people of Iraq by constitutionally determined districts.

Coalitions

Iraq practices a parliamentary form of government. As such, coalitions of various political parties are needed to make the government function. According to the constitution, 184 members are need to constitute a ruling coalition.

Prime Minister

The prime minister and cabinet are appointed by the Presidency Council, a group within the National Assembly controlled by the most powerful political party. The Presidency Council must nominate and agree on appointment for a period of two weeks.

Provision

In the event the Presidency Council does not agree on a candidate within two weeks, the responsibility for naming the prime minister falls to the National Assembly itself. In this case, a two-thirds majority must agree.

Presidency Council

The Presidency Council is composed of the president of Iraq and two vice presidents. The president has the right to veto legislation, but can be overridden by a three-fifths majority.

References

• Iraq Government
• Inside Iraqi Politics
• The Iraq Transition

Resources

• Diagram of Political Parties in Iraq