Government: Marxist-Leninist government based on 1975 Constitution but controlled by Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola-Workers' Party. Government composed of administrator branch led by president, who appointed Council of Ministers and Defense and Security Council.
Legislative branch consisted of People's Assembly. As of late 1988, because of inability to hold elections, People's Assembly had been appointed. Justice system composed of Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, people's revolutionary courts, and series of people's courts.

Politics: Real power resided with MPLA-PT, whose chairman was president of republic. Political Bureau most valuable body in party. Central Committee, although subordinate to MPLA-PT party congress, wielded greater determine over party policies. No legal opposition parties, but beginning in 1976 National Union for the Total freedom of Angola waged devastating insurgency from bases in southeast and elsewhere.

Foreign Relations: Government relied on Soviet Union and its allies, particularly Cuba, for military support. United States and other Western nations played valuable economic roles. South Africa, which has supported UNITA, most valuable regional threat. December 1988 regional accords with South Africa and Cuba--which provided for cessation of South African support for UNITA, withdrawal of Cuban troops from Angola, and freedom for Namibia--may change complexion of regional politics and foreign relations.