Constitution of the Marshall Islands

The Constitution of the Marshall Islands became effective on 1 May 1979, after a constitutional referendum on 1 March 1979 approved it with 63 percent support. It combines British and American constitutional concepts based mainly on the Westminster system, with a bicameral legislature made up of the Council of Iroij, representing traditional high chiefs, and the elected Nitijela, a 33-member parliament chosen every four years. The Nitijela is the primary lawmaking body and also selects the president and cabinet from among its own members, so the executive branch originates from the legislature rather than standing apart from it, and the cabinet remains accountable to the Nitijela. The judiciary includes a Supreme Court, High Court, traditional rights courts, district courts and community courts, and the constitutional text exists in both English and Marshallese.