Federalism in Iraq
In 2005, the new Constitution defined Iraq as a federal country for the first time. The government was defined as democratic, federal parliamentary and islamic. The government consists of the executive, legislative and judicial branches.
The legislative branch is the Council of Representatives. The Council of Representatives is formed out of one representative per 100,000 Iraqi persons and is the main elected body of Iraq. The members are elected for a four-year period. This council elects the President of Iraq.
The executive branch is represented by the President and the Council of Ministers. The President of the Republic is the head of state. He is elected by two-thirds majority for not more than two four-year terms. He ratifies laws, issues pardons and is the Commander of the armed forces. Next in charge is the Vice President in case of absence of the president.