For over 700 years, the Grimaldi family has successfully ruled Monaco. In 1962, Prince Rainier III, who ascended the throne in 1949, introduced a constitutional reform that significantly limited the powers of the sovereign. Since then, laws are prepared by the government together with the National Council, while their final promulgation remains the responsibility of the Prince.
The legislation force is exercised by the prince and the national council, which is selected by general elections for five years. The executive consists of the prince and a small government advice, whose head is the Minister of State, usually a French civil servant.
The judicial force is subject only and alone to the prince, who subordinated the practice to the Monegasque Court of Justice. The principal court is appointed by the prince.
Local affairs are subject to the local council, who consists of 15 local councils selected by the people for four years. The presidency of the local council has the mayor.
There are no formal political parties. The candidates are active in free groups or lists. Only monegasque citizen receive the right to vote. In addition Monaco has the advice of the crown, which consists of 7 Monegasques. Their term of office amounts to three years. If there are important state affairs like international agreements, dissolution of the national council, nationality and important affairs concerning the Monegasque state the advice of the crown must be asked.
The naturalization, a personal privilege of the prince, is limited to 30 persons per year.