Ever since claiming its complete independence on September 21, 1981, Belize has been a democratic and sovereign nation under a Parliamentary Democratic system of government.  Though it took a long time for Belize to attain its independence due to territorial disagreements between Guatemala and the United Kingdom, Belize was finally fully recognized as a nation in its own right in 1992.  The Constitutional Head of State of Belize is Queen Elizabeth II.  In turn, a Belize national is appointed as Governor-General to serve as Her Majesty’s representative.

Following this Westminster System of governance, the Executive Branch of Belize is composed of the Cabinet (Ministers and Ministers of State) and the Prime Minister.  The bicameral Legislative Branch is composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate.  The Judicial Branch is the Supreme Court.

The Governor-General appoints most of the officers of government, but he does so only after the recommendation of certain people.  For instance, Ministers of State have to be recommended by the Prime Minister; eight Senators have to be recommended by the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Belize Advisory Council; and the Chief Justice has to be recommended by the Prime Minister, too.  The 29 members of the House of Representatives are all elected, however.  The Speaker of the House and the Senate President are also elected.

In addition, Belize is a recognized member of the United Nations, Organization of American States, British Commonwealth, Nonaligned Movement, Caribbean Community, Association of Caribbean States and other related institutions.