The government system of Antigua and Barbuda a Caribbean island is that of a constitutional monarchy. Antigua government is parliamentary in form having the British monarchy as the de facto head. The influence of the British parliamentary form of government is very obvious in the government of Antigua. As the island of Antigua and Barbuda was a British colony for over a century the umbilical relationship with Britain is still maintained by the presence of the monarchy as an integral part of the government. Antigua had gone a step further with the technological innovation by starting an e-government service for the citizens and the foreigners. An appointed Governor General is head of the state, who represents British monarchy.
The government of Antigua is divided into three main parts legislative, judicial and executive. The parliament of Antigua and Barbuda is bi cameral in nature with two sections House of Representative and the Senate. The entire legislation is dependent on the House of Representative which consists of seventeen members. The general elections are scheduled for every five years to elect the members of the House of Representative. The head of the lower house is the Prime Minister. The opposition party is given due importance during the proceedings of the house. The cabinet ministers consist of the executive branch of the government of Antigua.
The judiciary though a part of the Antiguan Government is independent from the legislature and executive. The three layers of the judiciary are Eastern Caribbean States Supreme Court, High Court and Magistrate’s Court, Eastern Caribbean States being the highest court.
