Jamaica operates as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, recognizing the British monarch as a ceremonial head of state. This role is represented locally by a Governor-General, who performs mainly symbolic duties and is appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister.

The nation’s bicameral Parliament is made up of the elected House of Representatives and the appointed Senate. The lower house’s members, or MPs, and the upper house’s senators, some of whom are appointed by the Governor-General on the Prime Minister’s recommendation, handle legislative responsibilities like lawmaking, budget approval, and executive oversight.

The Prime Minister, as head of government, leads the majority party in the House and, along with the Cabinet, executes governmental policies. This structure supports democracy, regular elections, and checks and balances, ensuring stable and accountable governance.