The president and the Council of Ministers led by the prime minister share executive powers. The president, who has broad powers of appointment and supervision, is chosen by Parliament for a term of 7 years and cannot be reelected. The prime minister administers the government. The prime minister and the Council of Ministers are responsible to Parliament. The 550-member Parliament carries out legislative functions.
Election is by proportional representation.
The president is to enact laws passed by Parliament within 15 days. With the exception of budgetary laws, the president may return a law to the Parliament for reconsideration. If Parliament reenacts the law, it is binding. They also may be submitted to popular referendum. The 1982 Turkish constitution preserves the judicial system previously in effect and provides for a system of State Security Courts to deal with offenses against the integrity of the state.