Afghanistan
ADMINISTRATION AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS
Government.
Until the middle of the 20th century, Afghanistan was ruled
by the absolute power of the king. Two constitutions were promulgated,
in 1923 and 1931, both affirming the power of the monarchy.
The constitution of 1964, however, provided for a constitutional
monarchy, based on the separation of executive, legislative,
and judicial authorities. A military coup in 1973 overthrew
the monarchy, abolished the constitution of 1964, and established
the Republic of Afghanistan. The
Grand National Assembly
(Loya Jirgah) adopted a new constitution in February
1977, but it was abrogated in 1978 when another coup established
the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, governed by the
Afghan Revolutionary
Council. Political turmoil continued, marked by a third coup
in September 1979, a massive invasion of troops from the Soviet
Union, and the installation of a socialist government in December
1979. A new constitution promulgated in 1987 changed the name
of the country back to the Republic of Afghanistan and reaffirmed
its nonaligned status, strengthened the post of president, and
permitted other parties to participate in government.
The highest government authority is vested in the Grand National
Assembly, a body defined as "the highest manifestation of the
will of the people of Afghanistan" and made up of members of
the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The Grand
National Assembly has the power to elect the president, amend
and interpret the constitution, declare war, and adopt decisions
on "the most important questions concerning the country's national
destiny." The head of state and commander in chief of the armed
forces is the president, who is elected for a seven-year term.
The Council of Ministers is the highest executive body and is
responsible for domestic and foreign policy. The National Assembly
is the highest legislative body and comprises a 192-member council
of elders and a 234-member council of representatives.
Afghanistan has a centralized system of local government. For
administrative purposes the country is divided into provinces,
each administered by a centrally appointed governor. The provinces
are further subdivided into districts and subdistricts, headed
by appointed commissioners.
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