Oceania > Northern Mariana Islands > Government

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Administrative divisions none (commonwealth in political union with the US); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are four municipalities at the second order: Northern Islands, Rota, Saipan, Tinian
Capital city	Saipan
Capital city > Geographic coordinates	15 12 N, 145 45 E
Constitution Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands effective 1 January 1978; Covenant Agreement fully effective 4 November 1986
Executive branch > Cabinet the cabinet consists of the heads of the 10 principal departments under the executive branch who are appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate; other members include Special Assistants to the governor and office heads appointed by and reporting directly to the governor
Executive branch > Chief of state President George W. BUSH of the US (since 20 January 2001); Vice President Richard B. CHENEY (since 20 January 2001)
Executive branch > Election results Benigno R. FITIAL elected governor in a four-way race; percent of vote - Benigno R. FITIAL 28.07%, Heinz HOFSCHNEIDER 27.34%, Juan BABAUTA 26.6%, Froilan TENORIO 17.99%
Executive branch > Head of government Governor Benigno R. FITIAL (since 9 January 2006); Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. VILLAGOMEZ (since 9 January 2006)
Flag description blue, with a white, five-pointed star superimposed on the gray silhouette of a latte stone (a traditional foundation stone used in building) in the center, surrounded by a wreath
Government type commonwealth; self-governing with locally elected governor, lieutenant governor, and legislature
Independence none (commonwealth in political union with the US)
International organization participation	SPC, UPU
Judicial branch Commonwealth Supreme Court; Superior Court; Federal District Court
Legal system based on US system, except for customs, wages, immigration laws, and taxation
Legislative branch bicameral Legislature consists of the Senate (9 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year staggered terms) and the House of Representatives (20 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve two-year terms)
National holiday Commonwealth Day, 8 January
Political parties and leaders Covenant Party [Benigno R. FITIAL]; Democratic Party [Dr. Carlos S. CAMACHO]; Republican Party [Juan S. REYES]
Status dependent democracy
Suffrage 18 years of age; universal; indigenous inhabitants are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections
Transnational Issues > Disputes > International	none

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