The THA was re-established in 1980[1] to rectify some of the disparities in the relationship between the two islands; a prior body of the same name existed from 1768 to 1874.

At the helm of the Assembly Legislature is the Presiding Officer with the fifteen elected assemblymen, and four appointed councillors.

The Chief Secretary is the leader of the majority party in the assembly and is at the helm of the Executive arm of the THA.

In the 2001 elections the PNM gained control of the THA, winning 8 seats to the NAR's four.

[5] However, Chief Secretary Orville London asked Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to introduce a bill in the country's parliament that would change the country's constitution to allow the President of the Republic to choose two independent councillors at his/her discretion to serve as opposition in the THA in the event of a 12-0 election result.