CONSTITUTION AND ADMINISTRATION
Government would appear to have substantial control over the way in which Hong Kong is run, in practice the territory largely controls its own affairs and determines its own policies. Similarly, the Governor, by convention, rarely exercises the full extent of his powers.
Role of the Governor
The Governor is appointed by the Queen and derives his authority from the Letters Patent. He has ultimate direction of the administration of Hong Kong and is also the titular Commander-in-Chief of the British Forces stationed in Hong Kong. He makes policy decisions on the advice of the Executive Council, and makes laws by and with the consent of the Legislative Council. As head of the government, he presides at meetings of the Executive Council. The present Governor, the Right Honourable Christopher Patten, assumed office on July 9, 1992, and is the 28th incumbent.
The System of Government
Executive Council
The Executive Council consists of three ex officio members the Chief Secretary, the Financial Secretary and the Attorney General - and eight other members appointed by the Governor with the approval of the Secretary of State. The council normally meets once a week, and its proceedings are confidential, although many of its decisions are made public.
The Governor is required by the Royal Instructions to consult the council on all important matters of policy. The Governor in Council — the Governor acting after consulting the Executive Council-is Hong Kong's central and highest executive authority on policy matters. In practice, decisions are arrived at by consensus rather than by division. Members tender their advice in an individual capacity, and the council is collectively responsible for the decisions made. Individual non-official members do not hold personal responsibility for given subjects or portfolios. That is a matter for the government.
Besides policy matters, the Governor in Council determines appeals, petitions and objections under those ordinances which confer a statutory right of appeal. The Executive Council also considers all principal legislation before it is introduced into the Legislative Council, and is responsible for making subsidiary legislation. Its advice on matters of policy involving the expenditure of public funds is subject to the approval of the necessary funds by the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council.
Legislative Council
The Legislative Council has 60 members. Thirty members come from functional constituencies, each representing an economic, social, professional or other sector of the community; 20 are returned by direct elections in geographical constituencies which cover the whole territory; and 10 are elected by the Election Committee Constituency comprising elected members of the district boards. Legislative Councillors elect one of their fellow members as President.
The Legislative Council's procedures are governed by its Standing Orders, which derive their authority from the Hong Kong Royal Instructions, and by the Legislative Council (Powers and Privileges) Ordinance. The main functions of the Legislative
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