ENG-2009 — Page 37

Chapter 1

Constitution and Administration

Twelve years after reunification, Hong Kong continues to enjoy a high degree of autonomy. The principle of 'one country, two systems' under which Hong Kong is administered also gives its people the right to run the city. The Government keeps it that way by firmly adhering to the Basic Law, Hong Kong's constitutional document.

Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China (PRC) on July 1, 1997. The Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) came into effect on the same day. The Basic Law prescribes the systems to be practised in the HKSAR.

Under the Basic Law, the HKSAR enjoys a high degree of autonomy in accordance with the principle of 'one country, two systems'. The HKSAR exercises executive, legislative and independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication.

The HKSAR's executive authorities and legislature are composed of permanent residents of Hong Kong. The HKSAR remains a free port, a separate customs territory and an international financial centre and may, on its own, using the name 'Hong Kong, China', maintain and develop relations, and conclude and implement agreements with foreign states and regions, and international organisations in the appropriate fields, including the economic, trade, financial and monetary, shipping, communications, tourism, cultural and sports fields.

Role of the Chief Executive

The Chief Executive is the head of the HKSAR. He leads the Government of the HKSAR. He is responsible for implementing the Basic Law, signing bills and budgets passed by the Legislative Council, promulgating laws, making decisions on government policies and issuing executive orders. He is assisted by the Executive Council in policy-making.

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