The Constitution published at freedom establishes Kiribati as a sovereign democratic republic and guarantees the fundamental rights of its citizens.

The unicameral House of Assembly has 42 members: 40 elected representatives, one appointed member from Banaba island, and the Attorney General on an exofficio basis. All of the members of the Maneaba serve 4-year terms. The speaker for the legislature is elected by the Maneaba from outside of its membership and is not a voting member of Parliament. The judicial system consists of the High Court, a court of appeal, and magistrates' courts. All judicial appointments are made by the president.