Grenada - Government

The independence constitution, effective in 1974 but suspended after the 1979 coup, was reinstated after the US invasion. It provides for a governor-general appointed by the British crown and for a parliamentary government comprising independent executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Under this constitution, the bicameral legislature consists of a Senate of 13 members appointed by the governor-general, acting on the advice of the prime minister and the leader of the opposition, and a 15-seat House of Representatives. The governor-general appoints as prime minister the majority leader of the House. The cabinet, which comprises the prime minister, four senior ministers, and four ministers of state, is the executive arm of the government and is responsible for making policy. In 1996, a portfolio for women's affairs was created.