Administration
According to the terms of the constitution of 1964, substantially
amended in 1974, Malta is a democratic republic. The head of state
is the president, who is appointed by parliament to serve a term
of five years.
Legislative authority is vested in the House of Representatives,
composed of at a minimum of 65 members elected to five-year terms
by universal adult suffrage on the basis of proportional representation.
A variable number of extra seats are awarded to the party with the
majority of the popular vote in order to ensure a majority in the
legislature.
The head of government is a prime minister appointed by the president
from among the members of parliament and responsible to the legislature.
The prime minister is assisted by a cabinet.
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