Structure and Function of Political System

Structure and Function of political system

Executive

Head of State

Main article: Monarchy of New Zealand

Queen Elizabeth II is the current Queen of New Zealand and the Realm of New Zealands head of state.[2][3] The New Zealand monarchy has been distinct from the British monarchy since the Statute of Westminster Adoption Act 1947, and all Elizabeth II's official business in New Zealand is conducted in the name of the Queen of New Zealand, not the Queen of the United Kingdom. While Royal Assent and the royal sign-manual are required to enact laws, letters patent, and Orders in Council, the authority for these acts stems from the New Zealand populace.[4] In practice, the functions of the monarchy are conducted by the Governor-General, appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister. As of 2011, the Governor-General is Sir Jerry Mateparae. The Governor-General's powers are primarily symbolic and formal in nature. The Governor-General formally has the power to appoint and dismiss Prime Ministers and to dissolve Parliament; and also formally signs legislation into law after passage by Parliament. The Governor-General chairs the Executive Council, which is a formal committee consisting of all ministers of the Crown. Members of the Executive Council are required to be Members of Parliament, and most are also in Cabinet.[5]

Head of Government

John Key, MP, Prime Minister of New Zealand and leader of the National Party.

Cabinet is the most senior policy-making body and is led by the Prime Minister, who is also, by convention, the Parliamentary leader of the governing party or coalition, and is known as the head of government. The New Zealand Cabinet is responsible to New Zealand Parliament from which its members are derived. All Cabinet Ministers must be Members of Parliament (MPs) and are collectively responsible to it.

General elections are held every three years, with the last one in 2011 and the next one not later than early 2015. National won the 2008 election ending nine years of Labour led Government. National leaderJohn Key formed a minority government, negotiating agreements with the ACT party, the United Futureparty and the Māori Party.[6] The leaders of each of these parties hold ministerial posts but remain outside of Cabinet. There are two parties in Opposition; the Labour Party, and Green Party. The Leader of the Opposition is David Shearer, who replaced Phil Goff as leader of the Labour Party.