Government

Georgia is governed under the constitution of 1995 as amended. The president, who is head of state and has direct control over government bodies responsible for national security and defense, is elected by popular vote for a five-year term and is eligible for a second term. The prime minister, who is head of government, is responsible for managing the nation's economic policies. The unicameral legislature consists of the 235-seat Supreme Council (or Parliament), of which 150 members are elected on a proportional basis, 75 are directly elected by districts, and 10 represent displaced persons from Abkhazia. All serve five-year terms. Administratively, the country is divided into nine regions, one city, and two autonomous republics.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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