Government of the British Virgin Islands

King Charles III (represented by a Governor of the British Virgin Islands) is the head of state.

The monarch (acting through the Governor) selects as Premier the leader of the political party most likely to command a majority in the House of Assembly.

The British Virgin Islands operates under the Westminster system, and the Ministers and Cabinet are appointed from amongst the members of the Legislature and are not independently elected to executive office.

However the Constitution provides that this power is delegated to Premier and Ministers of Government in relation to certain specific areas:[6] However, there are a number of restrictions imposed by the Constitution upon the exercise by Ministers of that delegated power,[7] including the need for separate authority from the Secretary of State to conclude any treaty or other international agreement, and the requirement to keep the Governor "fully informed" of relevant activities and to provide on request all papers and information relating to such matters.

General elections are conducted every four years (unless the House is dissolved earlier, either as a result of a vote of no confidence or otherwise).

Politicians in the British Virgin Islands also frequently cross the floor to change parties in order to create absolute majorities.

Judges in the British Virgin Islands are appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission of the Supreme Court[12] rather than elected.

The courts are organised at four levels, including the provision for final appeal to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London.