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Sovereign powers
Sovereign authority
The Prince exercises His sovereign authority in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and legislation. He represents the Principality with respect to foreign powers. Total or partial review of the Constitution is subject to joint agreement by the Prince and the National Council, an assembly elected by Monegasque citizens.
Legislative power is shared between the Head of State who initiates laws and the National Council that passes them.
Executive power is under the supreme authority of the Prince, and the Principality is governed by a Minister of State who represents Him, who is in turn assisted by a Council of Government. The Minister of State and the Government Ministers are responsible to the Prince for the administration of the Principality.
In law, judicial power is held by the Prince. The present Constitution states that He delegates full exercise of these powers to the courts and tribunals that dispense justice in His name.
The other prerogatives of the Sovereign
In Monaco, the Sovereign also exercises the right to grant pardon and amnesty, naturalization and recovery of the Monegasque nationality. Lastly, the reigning Prince bestows orders, titles and other distinctions.
The Sovereign Prince is assisted in exercising certain constitutional prerogatives by the Crown Council
. It can be consulted by the Prince on issues relating to State interests.
The Council of State expresses an opinion on Bills and draft Ordinances that are submitted to it for examination by the Prince. It may also be consulted on other matters.
