In 1991, Parliament approved a study of the possibility of making Tuvalu a republic, which would bring to an ending the Queen's status as head of State. Currently, effective executive power rests in the cabinet which consists of the prime minister, who is elected by Parliament from among its members, and not more than four ministers, who are members of Parliament selected by the prime minister. The cabinet is collectively responsible to Parliament for its actions. The unicameral Parliament has the power to make laws and consists of twelve elected members. Four islands send two members each, two vote toghether for one member, and the other three islands send one member each.
Elections are by universal suffrage of all citizens over eighteen years of age.
Parliament is presided over by a speaker elected by the members from their own ranks. Parliament can remove the prime minister from office by passing a no-confidence vote. Elections are held every four years, or sooner if Parliament is dissolved by the governor general in accordance with the constitution. The court system consists of the soverign in council, court of Appeal and the High Court, which are courts of general trial and appellate jurisdiction, and the Magistrates' Courts, Island Courts, and Land Courts, lower courts with limited jurisdiction. In addition, international law also applies in Tuvalu.