The treaties and accords accompanying the Joint Declaration have guaranteed a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong, allowing it to retain its capitalist system for 50 years from 30 June 1997. Hong Kong is not politically democratic, nor has it ever been. Democratic elements exist within its political structure, but this is by no means across the board, and it is highly unlikely that democracy will develop any further. Business rather than politics have always governed Hong Kong, and its people are largely apolitical.
Political power is said by many to be drifting more towards the business sector.
The last British governor tried hard to politicise Hong Kong, but with limited success. The Chief Secretary of the adniinistration is responsible to the Chief Executive for the formulation of government policies and their implementation. The Chief Executive is further supported by a Financial Secretary, responsible for the fiscal and economic policies of the government. The Secretary for Justice is responsible for drafting all legislation. The judiciary administers justice and interprets the law as enacted by the legislature.