Austria operates under a federal parliamentary republic political structure. The country is a federal state consisting of nine states, with a President serving as the head of state. The President is elected by popular vote for a six-year term and has primarily ceremonial duties, representing the country internationally and appointing the federal government. The executive power lies with the Chancellor, who is appointed by the President and is the head of government. The Chancellor leads the federal government, implements policies, and exercises executive authority.

The Austrian Parliament is a bicameral legislature, consisting of the National Council (Nationalrat) and the Federal Council (Bundesrat). The National Council is the more powerful of the two chambers and comprises Members of Parliament (MPs) elected through a proportional representation system. The Federal Council represents the interests of the nine states and consists of representatives appointed by the state legislatures. The Parliament is responsible for enacting laws, approving the national budget, and exercising legislative oversight. Austria has an independent judiciary that operates separately from the legislative and executive branches. The judiciary is responsible for interpreting and applying the law, ensuring justice, and safeguarding individual rights. The Constitutional Court of Austria serves as the highest judicial authority in the country and is responsible for reviewing the constitutionality of laws and protecting constitutional rights.

The political structure in Austria upholds democratic principles, including the separation of powers, the rule of law, and the protection of individual rights and freedoms. The combination of a parliamentary republic, a bicameral legislature, and an independent judiciary helps ensure accountable governance, democratic decision-making, and the protection of citizens’ rights in Austria.