| Trinidad and Tobago subscribes to the Westminster model of government and upholds a tradition of parliamentary democracy inherited from Britain. The country gained independence in 1962 and became a republic in 1976. It is a member of the British Commonwealth.
General elections are held every five years in Trinidad and Tobago; and the democratic transfer of power is traditionally peaceful and routine. Legislative power lies with the House of Representatives with 41 elected members, and in the Senate, with 31 members appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. Executive power lies with the Prime Minister and his Cabinet, which is appointed by Members of Parliament.
Tobago has its own elected Assembly responsible for the administration of the island, and for the implementation of policies which are referred by Parliament. | 
