Each of Liberia’s 18 political parties and each of Liberia’s 15 counties select one member, while civil society selects 7 members. On September 19, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1509, which establishes a peacekeeping operation under Chapter VII authority. In keeping with the UN Secretary General’s recommendations, it calls for a force of up to 15,000 peacekeepers, with 250 military observers and 160 staff officers, a robust police component of up to 1,115, and a remarkable civilian component and support staff.

Liberia has a bicameral legislature which consists of 64 representatives and 26 senators. The legislature, which was set up on a proportional representation basis after the 1997 special election, is controlled by President Taylor's National Patriotic Party. The administrator branch heavily determines the legislature. The judicial system is functional but considerablely manipulated by the administrator branch of government.

There is a Supreme Court, criminal courts, and appeals court and magistrate courts in the counties. There also are orthodox courts and lay courts in the counties. Trial by ordeal is practiced in variousparts of Liberia. The basic unit of local government is the Town Chief. There are clan chiefs, paramount chiefs, and district commissioners. Mayors are elected in principal cities in Liberia. The counties are governed by superintendents appointed by the president. There are 15 counties in Liberia.