Oceania And Pacific Politics Questions
The political structure of New Zealand is a parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarchy. It follows a Westminster-style system of government, where the Monarch of the United Kingdom is the ceremonial head of state, represented by the Governor-General. The country is divided into 16 regions and has a unicameral legislature called the New Zealand Parliament, consisting of the House of Representatives. The Parliament is elected through a mixed-member proportional (MMP) voting system, where members are elected through both constituency and party list voting. The Prime Minister, who is the head of government, is the leader of the political party or coalition that holds the majority in Parliament. The judiciary is independent and operates separately from the executive and legislative branches.