Belgium
The Belgian Federal Parliament. Photo by Oakenchips.
Since 1894, Belgium is a constitutional, popular monarchy and a federal parliamentary democracy.
The bicameral federal parliament is composed of a Senate and a Chamber of Representatives. The former is made up of 50 senators appointed by the parliaments of the communities and regions and 10 co-opted senators. The Chamber's 150 representatives are elected under a proportional voting system from 11 electoral districts. Belgium has compulsory voting and thus maintains one of the highest rates of voter turnout in the world.
The King is the head of state, though with limited prerogatives. He appoints ministers, including a Prime Minister, that has the confidence of the Chamber of Representatives to form the federal government.
The Council of Ministers is composed of no more than fifteen members of an equal number of Dutch-speaking members and French-speaking members.
The judicial system is based on civil law. The Court of Cassation is the court of last resort, with the courts of appeal one level below.
