Jamaica is a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy, which has been independent since 1962. It is a member of the Commonwealth and has a Governor General as the representative of the British Monarch. The role is largely ceremonial, and is appointed on the recommendation of the Jamaican Prime Minister.
Parliament is bicameral, featuring a House of Representatives and a Senate. Members of the House of Representatives are directly elected, while the 21 members of the Senate are appointed by the Governor-General; of these, 13 are appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister; and eight on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition. Under the 1962 constitution, Parliament has the power to make laws. The Senate largely serves as a review chamber for legislation developed by the cabinet. The Cabinet is the main instrument of government policy, and consists of the Prime Minister and at least 13 other members of the House. The latest elections in Jamaica were held in February 2016 and the next one is expected in 2021.