Situated between France and Spain, Andorra is a little but unique European country running under a separate political and legal framework. Furthermore, reflecting Andorra’s distinct governmental structure, historical legacy, and geographical location are its laws and politics. One of Andorra’s most unique traits is its parliamentary co-principality since this is not a common occurrence anywhere. The country is run under two co-princes: the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell. Though unusual, this system is the outcome of centuries-old agreements and still shapes the political and legal framework of the country.

Acting as a co-prince, the French president also acts as elected king of Andorra. Still, the Andorran people deviate from the traditional popular voting approach for this election. The French national elections choose the president, so transforming the position from one of direct political power into one more symbolic and diplomatic. Andorra’s political system is unique in that it successfully strikes a compromise between modern democratic procedures and the power of a traditional monarchy.

Andorra is a parliamentary representative democracy having a unicameral legislature. Policy and legislative development for the country is under the purview of the General Council, the legislative assembly. Comprising 28 to 42 councillors elected for four-year terms, the General Council is divided into two sections: 50% of the councillors are chosen from each of Andorra’s seven administrative parishes; the other 50% are chosen from a single national constituency. This mixed system aims at local and national representation inside the legislative process.

Between the 30th and the 40th days after the former council was dissolved, the General Council is chosen. Voters cast ballots for political parties instead of particular candidates. Voters choose groups to represent their parishes as well as the at-large councillors. The councillors gather for an inaugural session following the election to choose the General Syndic, head of the General Council, and the Subsyndic General—who supports the General Syndic. The councillors then choose the prime minister in another session.

The prime ministerial election of Andorra is especially democratic. At least one-fifth of the councillors could propose candidates for prime ministership. After the candidates are presented, the General Council votes by absolute majority to choose the prime minister. This vote is absolutely important since it names the national chief executive. The General Syndic notifies the co-princes upon the choice of the prime minister, who then officially names the chosen candidate. Since they oversee the executive activities and work with the General Council to create laws and policies, the prime minister is a key player in the Andorran government.

Apart from the choice of the prime minister, the General Council has other responsibilities. It also handles legislation’s consideration and enactment. Private members’ bills, which may be presented by at least three local parish councils or one-tenth of Andorra’s population, can be introduced by several parties. Following approval, a bill is passed to the co-princes for their signature and enactment. Andorra’s annual budget is also under the responsibility of the General Council. At least two months before the budget of the previous year expires, the government must send a budget proposal for parliamentary review. Should the General Council reject the proposed budget by the start of the new year, the budget of the last year is automatically extended until a new one is decided upon.

Should the prime minister be unhappy with the General Council, he has the right to ask that the co-princes dissolve the council and declare fresh elections. By contrast, the General Council may remove the prime minister from office by a motion of censure. This requires at least one-fifth of the councillors endorsing it, followed by a vote of no confidence. Should the movement produce an absolute majority, the prime minister has to step down.

Furthermore, reflecting Andorra’s unique political structure is its legal system, which separates the court from the legislative and executive branches. Among the several important courts that comprise the court system are the Magistrates Court, the Criminal Law Court, the High Court of Andorra, and the Constitutional Court. Comprising the highest court body in Andorra, the High Court consists of five judges serving six-year terms. Among the entities that name these judges are the syndic general, the prime minister, and the co-princes. The High Court likewise names the Criminal Law Court’s president.

Apart from the High Court, the Constitutional Court of Andorra interprets the constitution and reviews appeals concerning the constitutionality of treaties and laws. There are four judges on the Constitutional Court: two are co-prince appointed and two are General Council appointed. Every two years, the presidency of the Constitutional Court is turned among the judges; the judges are appointed to eight-year terms. This guarantees a balance of power inside the court and keeps any one judge or group from controlling the national legal affairs with too great force.

Maintaining the rule of law in Andorra depends mostly on the court. It has the power to interpret and enforce the national laws, so making sure they align with the values stated in the constitution. An important component of Andorra’s political structure, the independence of the court helps to preserve the balance of power among the several arms of government.

Andorra’s co-principality system, democratic government, and court independence help to define its politics and laws at last. A symbolic monarchy with elected officials, the separation of legislative powers, and a strong legal system combined produces a special and stable political environment. Andorra, a small but powerful country, reflects in its political and legal systems its dedication to preserve both legacy and modernism in its government.