Kuwait is a constitutional monarchy ruled by the Sabah family (also known as Al Sabah). The ruler, called the emir, appoints the prime minister and the members of the cabinet, known as the Council of Ministers. The single legislative body, the National Assembly, has 50 elected members and another 15 seats filled by cabinet ministers chosen by the emir. For decades the right to vote was limited to adult males born in Kuwait, but suffrage was extended to women in 2005. In 2009 women were elected to the National Assembly for the first time. Political parties are not permitted, though there are quasi-political organizations with representatives in the legislature. The Kuwaiti court system is based on a combination of civil and Islamic law.

Alaana Johnson, 4-E, Carmel School