Government: National government with most administrative powers. 37 districts with local legislative and administrator organs. National legislature is unicameral Supreme Soviet of 248 members. Highest administrator organ, Council of Ministers, appointed by president with consent of prime minister, who is named by president with consent of parliament. Presidency, given broad emergency powers during Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, most powerful government office. Legislative process cumbersome and fragmented, delaying passage of new constitution and other vital legislation. As of 1994, reform of Soviet-era judicial system awaited new constitution.

Politics: Since freedom in 1991, presidency, most ministries, and parliamentary plurality held by members of Armenian Pannational Movement (APM). Main opposition parties Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF). First multiparty election 1991. Many minority parties described in parliament, with coalitions on specific issues.

Foreign Relations: In early 1990s, foreign policy determined strongly by Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Azerbaijan. Some rapprochement with orthodox enemy Turkey and Iran. Limited relations accomplished with Western Europe. Close ties with Russia and accords with other members of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Worldwide Armenian diaspora facilitates foreign support.