[2] Legislation passed by the States is termed Laws (Loi), which take effect in the island by Order-in-Council.

The legislature derives its name from the estates (French: états) of the Crown, the Church and the people from whom the assembly was originally summoned.

First female member of the States First female Deputy Chief Minister of Guernsey The States of Deliberation consists of 38 People's Deputies, elected every four years from a single island-wide constituency by plurality-at-large voting, each voter being allowed to cast up to 38 votes.

A similar system used to be used in the neighbouring bailiwick, Jersey; however, this was abolished and replaced with a ministerial government in 2005.

The President of the Committee is often termed "Chief Minister" by the local media, as they are perceived to represent the island's government, especially abroad.

Constitution of the States of Deliberation as of October 2020[update]:[11][12] Deputies Alderney representatives[13] 1 "Bailiwick-wide" legislation passed in the States of Guernsey applies not only in Guernsey, but also in Alderney and Sark, with the consent of their governments.