The Parliament consists of 24 members directly elected by universal suffrage from single-seat constituencies.

Members are elected for a limited term, and hold office until Parliament is dissolved (a maximum of four years).

[5] Established to provide for political representation and better local government in the islands, the Legislative Council was a subordinate legislature.

It was empowered to legislate for the "peace, order, and good government" of the islands, but could not pass laws repugnant to the laws of New Zealand, appropriate revenue, impose import or export duties, or impose criminal penalties in excess of one year's imprisonment or a £100 fine.

[9] In that year it also debated the country's political future and chose self-government in free association with New Zealand.

[14] It was reduced again to 24 members in 2003 when the overseas constituency created under the 1980–81 Constitution Amendment was abolished.

[12] A referendum to reduce it to four years failed to gain the necessary two-thirds majority in 1999,[10] but passed in 2004.

[17][18] The Cook Islands Parliament takes the British House of Commons as its model.

Members are elected by universal suffrage using the first-past-the-post system from single-seat constituencies.

[21] The Prime Minister and Cabinet hold office until the next election, or until they are defeated on a motion of confidence.

They become Acts after being approved three times by Parliament and receiving the assent of the King's Representative.

The bill is formally presented to Parliament, and the short title is read by the Clerk.

[30] If a bill is intended to be sent to Select Committee or the House of Arikis, the Second Reading is pro forma, and there is no debate.

[33] Parliament may give instructions extending or restricting the terms of the committee's or House or Ariki's consideration.